Dear Parish Family,
Last week we held our Fat Friday Supper: a great evening to celebrate together our shared mission. We invited all our fellow ministers, volunteers who are committed to building up the Body of Christ. It so happens that Rebuilt Faith, Day 10: Roll Away the Stone (p.56-61), really speaks to our mission. Fr. Michael and Tom were “reading our mail!”
The authors note that, “Many Catholics approach church merely as a consumer exchange. Their contribution is just showing up; after that, they are expecting to be served.” At the same time, the Scriptures (Eph 4:11-13) tell us that, “The primary service of pastors and teachers, or church staff in a parish, is not to do the work of ministry for the parish. Rather, they are charged to equip members of the parish community to do the ministry.... and in most parishes, this is a novel idea... the very best way for a pastor to serve his parishioners is to get them serving.” (p. 57). For this reason we say, we seek for every member to become a minister, to share in our mission. Thank you to all members who are serving our parish family and living out your baptismal calling!
With a servant’s heart,
FJW
QUOTES
“The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”
Pope Benedict XVI, p. 46
“Above all the people whoever lived, Jesus, as the son of God, deserved to be served. But instead he came to serve. He emptied himself so that he could pour into other people.” p. 49
“Do small things with great love.” St. Teresa of Calcutta p.51
“Your life is not your project alone. It is a partnership with God. You are his work of art.” p. 68
“You will never be happy if your happiness depends on getting solely what you want. Change the focus. Get a new center. Will what God wills, and your joy no man shall take from you.”
Ven. Fulton Sheen p.74
Chapter 2 Reflection Questions:
Rank on a scale of one to five how well you serve and add value to others. Why do you give yourself this number? p. 50
What are the mundane tasks around you that no one else wants to do that you can do? p. 54
How do you think serving in your parish will draw you close to Christ? p.61
What intimidates you about God calling you to serve? p. 72
What excuses are you using to keep you from serving God and pursuing his mission for your life? p.80
