God's Grammar Lesson

As part of the FIRE discernment process that our parish is experiencing, I was invited to compose my own "principle and foundation" and share it with my spiritual director. One understanding is that it's meant to be my personal invitation to Christ into my life. As I read aloud the final sentence, the cadence was off. There was a pause as Shari didn't know if that was the end. "That's a good start..." she said, breaking the silence. After discussion, we decided to read it aloud again with one minor alteration: changing each "we" to "I." This edit made me uncomfortable, and I stopped in my tracks a few times before finishing. It became personal.

Classic Catholic guilt? Perhaps. Whether it's our children or parents, colleagues or friends, government or charity—how (un)natural it has become to feel in service to others. This is beautiful out of love, but we should never neglect to invite a relationship where we, too, will be served, supported, and sustained. It might be uncomfortable, we might stop in our tracks—but we deserve it. Er—you deserve it. I deserve it.

Our stewardship renewal has been an opportunity to ask (in the first-person singular) St. Monica to serve, support, and sustain you, your family, and your loved ones. If you haven't had a chance to share this with us yet, you still can by completing this form. We want to hear it, and we want to respond; our clergy, directors, and staff.

I am so thankful to all those who have already participated. Your words have been from the heart and provide direction and encouragement to be #StillStMonica. I would also like to thank our fantastic "MarComDev" team: Communications & Development Coordinator, Loreena Garcia; Media & Music Coordinator, Arielle Phan; and the editor who worked with me to produce our first and last videos, Chase Hinton.

Your renewed commitment—personally and financially—is a sign of Christ in all our lives. Thank you for making and accepting that invitation.