Last weekend you voted for the members of our new Parish Pastoral Council. The Council is made up of those parishioners who were elected, and others directly appointed by me to assure balance and inclusivity. The following members will serve for the next three years. Alfred Guillaume (President), Michael Busk, John Houk, Jessie Johnson ,Tina Jones, Denisa Lynk, Savino Rivera, and Jillian Snyder.
It's very easy, and all too common, for us to rattle off our disappointments, complaints, and the like. However, it’s important to take the time each day to acknowledge our blessings. I do it every night as my last prayer of the day. I hope that your families pray together before you partake of the Thanksgiving meal. And I hope that part of that prayer is sharing what you're grateful for and thanking God for those blessings. If not, that’s a wonderful practice to begin.
I’ve been at St. A’s for just shy of two months and there’s been much learning and work that has taken place. I’m mindful of the responsibility of a pastor. Namely, to shepherd the flock in the name of Christ. This is done by teaching, leading, and sanctifying, for the vocation of a priest is to be a true father to the parish family as he leads them towards Christ.
Holiness, which is the hallmark of the saints, is what we’re called to strive for each day. We’re invited to turn away from the sins of exclusivity, arrogance, and judgment that harms us and the community. Our vocation is to cultivate attitudes and behaviors that allows the Lord to come alive in us, transform us, and inspire the way we live.
Last Sunday we had our first Listening Session after the 10:30 Mass. 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.