From the Pastor:
In conversations with parishioners, sometimes I’m asked what is the busiest time of the year for priests. That varies depending on the duties and responsibilities given to each by the Bishop. For us three priests serving the Mansfield area, almost every day is busy. Certain times of the year are definitely busier than others, such as the next several weeks. That is because with the end of summer break, classes and other programs resume for our parish youth and adults.
Classes begin this Wednesday for both St. Mary and St. Peter parochial schools. Between the two of them, there are about 300 students. We priests are in the schools each week, and even offer the sacrament of Confession to them each month. Also resuming on Sunday mornings at all three parishes are religious education classes (PSR) for those who attend public schools. We priests visit the students in these classes and offer the sacrament of Confession to them throughout the year.
For youth in grades six through twelve, Sunday evening gatherings will resume soon. Last year we were able to partner with Damascus Missionaries to provide this for our youth. However, since they no longer offer that ministry, we have been working over the summer to create our own program. I’m excited about what we will be offering to them this year as a result of observations and conversations with them. I’m confident that the team assembled (priests, laity, & youth) will provide a dynamic and engaging schedule of activities and discussions for them. I’m especially excited about planned outings, locally and much further away, that we think will give them unique experiences that are both fun and faith-filled.
After the welcome break of Labor Day, we will begin the new year of classes for those who desire to learn more about the Catholic Faith. Those who are interested in possibly becoming Catholic meet each Wednesday evening, with their sponsors, to learn what the Catholic Church believes about God, the purpose of our existence, good and evil, heaven and hell, different religions, prayer, salvation vs. sanctification, and many other topics. Week by week, in the short time that we have, we cover many different aspects of the Catholic Faith that are important for being true disciples of Christ.
As you continue to read the testimonies in the bulletin each week, consider who you might invite to join the Catholic Church. Of the many reasons to do so, the following two are the most convincing for me. The first is that Jesus tells us directly: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Christ intends this to be the work of every one of us, each having different parts, but each contributing. Second, Jesus prayed: “that they may all be one, even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You.” (John 17:21) Our one Father, has established one Church, which is meant to prepare us for the one heaven – “so that they all may be one!”
Gratefully,
Fr. Miller