What a blessing it was earlier this month that Resurrection Parish was able to host the Mission entitled, “The Holy Year of Mercy.” No one is to be excluded from receiving the Lord’s mercy. The Lord counts on each of us to extend His mercy in the settings in which we live. In a vibrant faith community, each member grows in the awareness that she/he does make a significant difference in the life of our parish.
If our Parish is to remain vibrant, this calls for our on-going faithful presence. Gathering each weekend to celebrate Mass expresses the hub and heart of the life of our Parish Community, namely God’s love for us in our Lord Jesus Christ. At times, coming to Mass each weekend is difficult for reasons such as the following: 1) We are literally pulled in a number of different directions in our lives. Let’s face it: gathering for weekly worship is no longer the accepted social custom that it once was in our land. Arranging to be present at Mass each weekend can be costly in terms of affecting our relationships with others. 2) Another factor making it hard to be present for Mass each weekend is the less-than-ideal weekend Mass schedule with which we have to live. In short, offering our presence at Mass each weekend represents a real sacrifice on the part of all of us at times.
We can contribute to the on-going vitality of our Parish by prayerfully determining to participate in the life of our Parish. At times, this calls for us to be on the receiving end of that which is offered. For example, our Parish offers to host funeral lunches for members who have lost a loved one. Opportunities for on-going formation in our faith-life are offered for persons of all ages. Our Parish offers to support and prepare couples who intend to enter into Holy Matrimony. When we are suffering and/or are homebound, the Sacraments of the Eucharist and the Anointing of the Sick are made available to us.
All of us are called, each in our own way, to be on the giving end of participating in the life of our parish community. In response to prayer, we each have something to offer. Our roster of parish groups and ministries suggests opportunities to use our gifts and abilities to serve others in our Lord’s Name. If you sense that there is a group or ministry that is lacking, you might want to promote the development of a new avenue of service.
As we take to heart the importance our own on-going prayer, presence and participation in the life of our Parish Community, we will be contributing in significant ways to enable St. Mary parish to remain a vibrant, welcoming faith community for all persons.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Nelson Beaver – Pastor