“Do you have plans for Wednesday Evening?” No matter what age I am, that kind of an opener, especially when it comes from a friend, does more than simply pique my curiosity. So often, it bespeaks an invitation and an assurance that my company is sought and valued. So, do you have plans for this Wednesday, and the next Wednesday and the next…? Your presence will be valued by fellow parishioners as Anchor—our reconfigured faith formation evenings at St. Mary, commence following the kickoff event this past Wednesday.
Over the course of the next seven weeks, a series of four women speakers will address the Adult Faith Formation component of the community, which very much is intended to include our young adults. The overarching title of the series is “Given Up For You: Becoming a Gift to Others”. I will acknowledge that this particular name is not as straightforward as, let’s say, “Bible Study on the Book of Acts.” Participants may be thinking, “What exactly am I supposed to expect?” In response, I am Irish enough to reply (with my best effort at an Irish brogue): “Now, can you imagine how boring life would be if we always knew exactly what would unfold at every moment in every experience?” The Holy Spirit of God is simply too creative AND too much in love with us to take such a predictable approach. And ask yourself this question, “Do I honestly think Fr. David would recommend presenters that he, himself, does not find highly engaging?!” Not a chance!
All well and good, but what if I can’t come on Wednesdays yet am available on Sundays? Great news: the sessions will be taped on Wednesday evenings and played back on Sunday mornings, during the typical time block between the two morning Masses. Those leading these ministries truly do want to make our offerings as accessible as possible.
And even as we strive to cast as wide a net as possible, inviting people to join in on events at the parish, there is another—equally essential—dimension to the life of the parish: ministry to those who cannot come to church, either for a time or long-term. Have you noticed, just how many extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion come forward at weekend Masses? Each of them represents at least one individual parishioner being visited (and many of them are going out to nursing homes, where there are multiple Catholic residents).
Recently, we have introduced a new and welcome addition to our parish team: Pastoral Associate Chandler McLain. Chandler is quickly acclimating and brings a spirit of service to her role, resonant with her predecessor, Camille Horvath. That said, there are “new” needs arising all the time. Chandler is in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. She is excellent about returning messages.
It makes sense at this point, I believe, to reinforce some “messages” that periodically we issue so that the needs of the people are being sufficiently addressed. If this sounds a little bit like a litany, that’s okay. We are Catholic, and litanies are part of our heritage of prayer. Please: if you have a loved one who goes into hospital— ANY hospital— please contact the parish office. Even if it’s an out-of-town hospital and you are only asking for prayers and not a physical visit, please do not assume that we will automatically know. Additionally, while it is embarrassing to admit that I will not always immediately register someone’s absence from Mass (even a longtime member), if you become aware that a parishioner ought to be visited at home or in a care facility, please be an “angel of mercy” and let us know of the need.
Finally, if there is a way for you to bring an individual who is normally unable to come on his or her own to church, this Wednesday, September 24, at the 9:30 morning Mass, the Sacrament of Healing (Anointing of the Sick) will be offered.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
