We Serve A Big God!
...don't you think? And true to the heart of Franciscan spirituality, which is so popular here in our little neck of the woods, He is found shining in and through the hearts of our people. Open the eyes of your heart, and you just might see Him:
~ in all of the volunteers, who mostly, either after a lifetime of or a long day at work, come down to help prepare, set up for, serve, and clean up after the Annual Christmas Dinner - (or in any ministry for that matter!) And we haven't even mentioned all of the folks who break out of their usual Christmas morning routine to deliver a meal to the homebound...
~in any or all of the Eucharistic Ministers who distribute Communion - (which is quite literally, Jesus) - to parishioners here, locally, or in Nursing Homes - talk about "visiting the imprisoned"- as they often might feel- and bringing them Jesus' presence!
~ in the voice of our Lectors, who faithfully proclaim the Word of God - (and often rouse us from our slumber!) - whether it be at a daily Mass or our regularly scheduled weekend Masses
~ in the hearts of those who are mentoring those who are preparing for the RCIA- (Rite of Christian Initiation), and in the Catechists, Youth Ministers or Teachers who disciple, love and point children, teens and adults to God's saving love! This could be happening at and through our own parish families, Religious Education, or our Children's Ministry- Morning Star, not to mention year-round faith-sharing opportunities within ours, or other local church communities
~ in the gentle spirit and gracious hospitality provided either by the Funeral Luncheon or Sunday Hospitality teams, our Ushers, or by those who facilitate Grief Share Sessions, as we learn to deal with the aftermath of losing a loved one
~ in the confidential outreach and/or training provided by our parish's Steven Ministers - where lay people - (like you & I) - either minister or learn to minister out of the gifts God has given us,so as to build up, heal, and strengthen the body of Christ- (that's all of us)- right here in our midst...
~ in the silent but profound witness of those who either Stand for Life every Sunday or those who Stand for Peace each Thursday afternoon
~ in any of our faith-filled gatherings - (The Mass is the best Adult Faith Formation tool, and sometimes, it seems as if that's about all we can get to!) - but it helps to "do life together" in the words of Chip Ingram- when we plug into and small groups, Bible Studies, Lecture Series, and training opportunities. Join us, and keep on growing!
~ in all of the volunteers, who mostly, either after a lifetime of or a long day at work, come down to help prepare, set up for, serve, and clean up after the Annual Christmas Dinner - (or in any ministry for that matter!) And we haven't even mentioned all of the folks who break out of their usual Christmas morning routine to deliver a meal to the homebound...
~in any or all of the Eucharistic Ministers who distribute Communion - (which is quite literally, Jesus) - to parishioners here, locally, or in Nursing Homes - talk about "visiting the imprisoned"- as they often might feel- and bringing them Jesus' presence!
~ in the voice of our Lectors, who faithfully proclaim the Word of God - (and often rouse us from our slumber!) - whether it be at a daily Mass or our regularly scheduled weekend Masses
~ in the hearts of those who are mentoring those who are preparing for the RCIA- (Rite of Christian Initiation), and in the Catechists, Youth Ministers or Teachers who disciple, love and point children, teens and adults to God's saving love! This could be happening at and through our own parish families, Religious Education, or our Children's Ministry- Morning Star, not to mention year-round faith-sharing opportunities within ours, or other local church communities
~ in the gentle spirit and gracious hospitality provided either by the Funeral Luncheon or Sunday Hospitality teams, our Ushers, or by those who facilitate Grief Share Sessions, as we learn to deal with the aftermath of losing a loved one
~ in the confidential outreach and/or training provided by our parish's Steven Ministers - where lay people - (like you & I) - either minister or learn to minister out of the gifts God has given us,so as to build up, heal, and strengthen the body of Christ- (that's all of us)- right here in our midst...
~ in the silent but profound witness of those who either Stand for Life every Sunday or those who Stand for Peace each Thursday afternoon
~ in any of our faith-filled gatherings - (The Mass is the best Adult Faith Formation tool, and sometimes, it seems as if that's about all we can get to!) - but it helps to "do life together" in the words of Chip Ingram- when we plug into and small groups, Bible Studies, Lecture Series, and training opportunities. Join us, and keep on growing!
