Dear Parishioners,
As always, thank you to Fr. Linh, Fr. John, all the Deacons and you, who make up the family of St. Rose of Lima Parish for giving me the opportunity to share some thoughts with you in this Sunday’s bulletin. I chose my topic for the article primarily because it speaks of things I need to hear. But I also feel compelled to share these thoughts with you as well. I ask myself this question: “How can I be a motivated and excited parishioner?” This question moves me to pause and think. I am a cradle Catholic, born and raised in the varied and beautiful traditions of our Church both before and after the Second Vatican Council. This Council was called by Pope St. John XXIII not to change the Church but to update the Church and in so doing allowing you and I to take a much more active role in the life of the Church.
So, here are a few points I hope to put into practice in my life not only as a deacon but also as a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima. First, let’s all ask the Spirit of God to help us believe that living our lives as Catholic Christians is an adventure. This kind of parishioner is the one you will never hear saying, “we’ve never done it like that.” Innovation, asking questions, may be even taking a risk with new ideas are the hallmarks of a parishioner who sees his or her Catholic identity as exciting and adventurous. Excited parishioners never get satisfied with the status quo. It’s not about changing everything, but changing the way we see and experience Church.
The relocation of the Tabernacle behind the Altar is just such an experience. I am one who was of the mindset that I don’t like the idea.But after it was done and the enthusiasm for the project became so evident, I became excited about it.
We all need to give thanks to Fr. Linh for his dynamic approach to this endeavor. It is a very powerful event in the history of our parish. I hear so many people make that statement. Looking back, we might even be so bold to say that this was just too great of an opportunity to pass up.
Last Sunday was Vocation Sunday. It’s a time where we focus on the fact that God has called each of us to serve Him as Jesus served us. I encourage you to read Deacon David’s column in last week’s bulletin.
The excited and dynamic parishioner looks on his or her fellow parishioners and sees untapped talent. We see each of our brothers and sisters as an abundance of goodness just waiting to be summoned for whatever task is at hand. Parishioners like this help not only themselves but also help others to get excited and able to really believe in themselves.
We are all called to this ministry. Positive energy is the inherent trait in this kind of parishioner. Let’s all take the time to see the amazing core that is the heart of St. Rose of Lima Parish. As many pages as our bulletin now has, it would not have the space for me to list our fellow parishioners who are exhibiting this kind of excitement for all of us to see.
Finally, the greatest way to live out our faith as Catholics is not to see ourselves as members of St. Rose of Lima, but rather as disciples.
Being a member of a parish has a kind of static sound almost like you and I are just numbers in the parish data base. Just attending Mass or doing something out of obligation can become something beautiful for the parishioner who is willing to allow the Holy Spirit to help them develop a genuine desire to participate in the life of the Church and their fellow disciples.
Discipleship, not membership is how I know that we as parishioners at St. Rose of Lima choose to live out our lives of faith.
And because the exit signs over the doors speak loudly to excited parishioners, we will never be afraid of Jesus’ call to each of us to “go out and make disciples of all nations.” We are not afraid because we do it together. Are you curious about the “fuel” that will allow this to happen in each of our lives as parishioners of St. Rose? That which is the Source and Summit of our Faith….The Eucharist.
Sincerely,
Deacon John
