Pastor's Pen - November 22, 2015

In the month of November, we take special time to give thanks for the many blessings we have been given. When we think about blessings present in our lives, do we remember to say “thank you” to God for the gift of our parish communities? Do we consider the teaching, the healing and comfort we receive through practicing our faith together? Do we ponder the joy of celebrating Mass joined as people of God? If we take time to really think and pray, it is easy to see what a gift belonging to a parish really is.

It is also easy to see why sharing resources with our parishes falls into the category of giving and receiving. Our parishes are the conduit; the channels fed by our sharing which, in turn, make it possible for us to spread the good news to places near and far ministering to those in need and spreading the good news.

(adapted from the Oct/Nov edition of The Vineyard; A quarterly publication from the Development Ofice of Archdiocese of Milwaukee and funded by the Catholic Stewardship Appeal)

This is a prayer that I really like. As it challenges us, it makes a lot of sense…...

A Stewardship Prayer

My church is composed of people like me
I help make it what it is.
It will be friendly, if I am.
Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them.
It will do great work, if I work.
It will make generous gifts, if I am a generous giver.
It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship, if I invite and bring others in.
It will be a church of love and faith, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with these same things.
Lord, help me to dedicate myself to being all the things that I want my church to be.  


Fr. Chuck