From the Pastor’s Desk:

It always surprises people when they say, “What do you mean, I am not a member of the parish? I have gone to church here for 3 years, etc.” My response, “You are not listed. Did you ever register?” “Well…no, but you know me.” That may be true, that I know a person; but if they have not registered, they could just be attending mass here because it is convenient. Belonging to a parish at the very least, means being registered and attending mass on a regular basis, (Christmas and Easter liturgies is not a regular basis). Our children learn from example. Many adults believe that children do not understand many things; but as a former teacher and being around young people constantly, believe me they understand. They are always watching the adults that surround them, especially parents, teachers, coaches and priests. Whether we believe it or not, our actions teach young people, perhaps even more than textbooks. Textbooks teach knowledge, actions teach how to use that knowledge. When parents skip Mass on Sundays they are teaching their sons and daughters that Mass and God are not that important. I have heard directly from young people that their parents say, “It is the only day we get to sleep in, so we are not going to Mass.” When we push God aside on Sunday, what about not lying, stealing, being disrespectful, cheating? All these can be pushed aside as well. These are God’s laws and when we make God second or third place in our lives, morality begins to crumble. It is no wonder drugs, gangs, killing, and robberies are on the rise across this country and even in our city. I ask every adult to become more involved in their parish. Don’t just come to Mass to get an obligation out of the way, come to praise, worship, and give thanks to our God. Coming to Mass, is not coming to be entertained by the priest or the choir. The celebrant and the choir are only leading in worship. Celebrating the Eucharist means being involved in the prayers and in the music. Being involved in your parish also means being involved in more than just Sunday liturgy. As we move forward from Covid become active once again in our parish. Ministry comes in many different forms. The different women's groups and their activities, our monthly youth activities, adults teaching their faith to students who attend public schools, the parish council, the Knights of Columbus, adults who work on helping keep the grounds, the bell choir, traditional choir, cantors, being an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister, being a Lector, being a greeter at Mass, working at our only parish fund raiser, bingo. There are so many ways for a person to be involved with our faith community. In short I challenge everyone to get involved and make our parish a stronger, more faith filled parish.