Brothers and Sisters in Christ –
Last Sunday we had our first Listening Session after the 10:30 Mass. A good number of parishioners gathered to reflect on life at St. A’s and how we’d like to grow as a faith community. We focused on the themes of communion and mission, which were the topics being discussed at the Synod in Rome.
Our first question was, “How can we more fully be a sign and instrument of union with God and one another.” The participants shared with me why they come to St. A’s and what about our parish brings them closer to God. I heard them talk about our parish being a welcoming and genuine community, a place of healing, joy, and support. There were voices raised that talked about the authenticity of our parish and how it’s a place where we’re free to bring our true selves to God and each other. I was humbled to hear reflections on the power of the Holy Spirit in our worship, and the importance of diversity.
Our second question was, “How can we better share our gifts for the mission of the gospel?” Specifically, the conversation was about the vision for St. A’s and ministries that we might consider starting or restarting. Things such as a parish rosary, youth mentoring, neighborhood engagement, Vacation Bible School, ecumenical engagement, tutoring, ministries geared toward women, and “Community on Tap.“ We thought big and had a good conversation.
I was impressed by the love and devotion to St. A’s. I was inspired by a desire to continue to grow and reach out to others. I was humbled by everyone’s hopes for the future and for our parish. As I said to the group, this will only happen if everyone shares their gifts and talents. St. A’s isn’t about one person or the same group of people running our parish ministries. We need to make sure everyone takes ownership and finds ways to become involved in our parish. When this happens, we will indeed grow and thrive.
There is one more Listening Session and I’m happy to hear from more parishioners. I’ll support new ministries, current ministries, and former ministries being brought back. I’ll also ask how YOU are going to take ownership of our parish.
A few announcements:
This Wednesday, November 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints, a holy day of obligation, Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m. It’s my favorite holy day as it also happens to be my birthday. Please join me in prayer!
The Annual Bishop’s Appeal is in the final weeks. THANK YOU to all who have donated. As I’ve been saying at Mass and in this weekly announcement, our parish assessment this year is $13,026.82. If we don’t meet our goal the difference will be taken from the parish savings. Please consider a donation and help St. A’s meet our assessment. Pledge cards can be found on the table in the vestibule, or you can place a check in the collection basket with “Bishop’s Appeal” written on the memo line.
The parish is looking to hire a part-time maintenance person. This would be approximately 15 - 20 hours a week cleaning inside the church and parish hall, as well as some occasional work around the outside property. If you’re interested in learning more about what this job entails, please contact Fr. John or Deacon Mel.
The Parish Pastoral Council will be reinstituted. If you would like to nominate someone, or you yourself are interested, please contact Fr. John or place a note with a name in the collection basket. We will elect four members on November 19.
The Finance Council will also be reinstituted. Anyone with suggestions of qualified persons (e.g., business owners, those with a degree in Finance or Business, etc.) are invited to contact Fr. John.
Calling our youth … it would be awesome to have you involved in Mass as an altar server (4th grade and older), lector, cross bearer, usher, a greeter at Mass, a helper with Coffee and, a member of the Gospel Choir, or any other ministry you can think of. Please share your gifts and talents with the St. A’s family! See Fr. John or Deacon Mel to talk about your interests.
Looking ahead … On Thursday, November 23 we celebrate Thanksgiving. At 9:30 a.m. we will have our parish Mass thanking God for the blessings of this year, our family, friends, and our country.
On Sunday, December 24 we will only have one Mass at 10:30 a.m. for the 4th Sunday of Advent.
Our Christmas Eve, Masses will be at 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The 4:00 Mass will have the Children’s Pageant and the Gospel Choir will sing at the 9:00 Mass.
On Christmas Day, Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.
St. Augustine, pray for us!
Fr. John, C.S.C.
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