Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of
Gospel of Matthew 2:11
gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Happy Holy New Year! The Christmas Season comes to an end this coming Monday, with the feast day of the Baptism of the Lord, when we return to Ordinary Time. This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, the three kings who saw the light! “Let There Be Light.” Thank you once again to all of you who shared your gifts, talents, and treasures during our season of giving.
The image of the Magi kneeling before the infant Jesus and opening their treasure chests for Him is an image that we should all try to follow each day, and throughout this new year. In gratitude for all that we have been given, we are called to generously share all of our gifts, not just the ones we pick and choose. God wants us to be generous with everything, but especially that one thing that means the most to you.
There are no gifts that God cannot use to transform a Church!
Fr. James Mallon
The mission of the Church has been the same for over 2,000 years: go and make disciples. However, if you ask any Catholic parish, oftentimes many don’t have a clear process to how they practically do this. There is an abundance of ministries to get involved in, but a discipleship pathway is not usually the most clear.
So what is our next step, how do we move ourselves from an initial encounter with Christ to a maturing, and intentional discipleship?
In the past few years our parish staff, and ministry leaders, have been discussing different leadership principles. In 2021, we journeyed with Amazing Parish. Last year, we were coached via Divine Renovation. Now is the time to share some of these principles and best practices with all ministries, and parishioners. Come Holy Spirit! It is prayer, vision, and leadership development that will continue to change our culture, open to the mission, doing God’s will for our parish families.
As we continue to discern the vision for this next year, please pray for our Parish Renewal Committee that will meet soon, after a discernment process during the month of December. We hope to have an update soon for all parishioners near the end of January. Our parish staff, and ministry leaders, continue to work together to equip parishioners with the tools needed to enrich our faith and become involved in the missional work of the Church. Have a great week. Peace.
