Transform the World
It may seem a little presumptuous and self-important to reflect on our parish mission and believe it's realistic that we can transform the world. Yet, my mentor and friend Dr. Paul Ford has often reminded me: we don't ask too much of God—we ask too little.
Often I'm asked with a hint of indignation, "Why do you work for the Catholic church?" And after serving in in the Archdiocese for nearly three decades, my answer following the birth of our son has always been, "St. Monica." And of course that means I have to explain, why St. Monica?
I admit my answer is dynamic depending on the audience and the true context of the question, but recently I shared a succinct response with three points:
- Welcome and Hospitality—exemplified by the leadership and preaching of our pastor.
- Music—offering styles and genres from chant to praise and everything in-between.
- Service and Outreach—each of us live out the Gospel invitation as vibrantly on Monday through Saturday as we do on Sundays.
As summer begins to set—our ministry directors have striven to provide a program year with something for everyone: whether through prayer, service, pastoral care, spirituality, formation, or fellowship. The announcements may be long, but we stand proud to offer so much that is deserving of your engagement. We have soft-launched the Navigators ministry to match you with opportunities informed by your spiritual charisms. We also know that if 'all are welcome'—that ALL must truly be welcome: any and all 'sides.' We are the universal church and Pope Francis reminds us, "Todos! Todos! Todos!"—the church is for everyone.
So my invitation, amidst the noise of our secular lives, is to pick something—anything—that might bring Jesus into your life not only on Sunday, but any (every) day of the week. It's likely more fulfilling than buying a MegaMillions quick-pick—and I promise you the odds of God delivering, infinitely better.
