Dear Parish Members,

A few analogies really struck me this week from the chapter on ENGAGE in ReBuilt Faith. First the towering grove of trees with shallow roots:   

“Redwood trees can grow to be about 350 feet high; For comparison, that's a 35 story building. You might think that trees like that would have deep roots. But they don't. The roots are only 5 or 6 feet deep. But they lack in depth they make up for in width, as they extend far out to other trees. They thrive in thick groves where their roots can intertwine and fuse together, forming a solid foundation for all the trees in the grove.” (p. 131)

Second the charcoal fire burning:

“The analogy of a charcoal fire is often used when it comes to Christian life. Put the coals together and they produce enough heat to cook. Take one away from the other coals, and the heat from that single coal quickly dissipates. If we live separated from Christian community for too long, our faith can grow cold.” (p. 150)

Both natural phenomena speak to the supernatural reality of the Church. Church comes from the Greek work, ekklesia, which means to be called out from the general population and assembled together for worship. And so this week while we come to appreciate that it all begins with Jesus, that it is not meant to be just “me & Jesus” but in fact God calls us to membership in the Church. Hence the assertion: “You cannot become a fully devoted follower of Christ apart from his Body. It just can’t be done…. You need to be part of his team that is the Church.” (p.139)

I would invite you to take the next step toward making our parish family feel to you like a family, like people who care for each other and help one another in this life journey!

In God’s peace, FJW

QUOTES

“Christ wishes the Christian community to be a body that is perfect because you work together toward a single end.” - Saint Katherine Drexel

“The parish church is the heart of the Church.”
- USCCB (p. 134)

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deluding himself.” (Gal 6:2-3)

Chapter 4 Reflection Questions:

1. Who are the people who sharpen you and help you to grow? Do you have friends with whom you can share the Gospel and what is happening in your life? (p. 143)

2. How might God be inviting you to take the next step in becoming a parish member?

3.  What burdens are you carrying right now? How would sharing them with others lesson their weight? (p. 160)