It was a damp, cold and rainy Monday night. The perfect night to stay inside and enjoy a hot beverage, or a hot toddy and wrap yourself up in an afghan, with a favorite book and sit by the fire; or veg in front of the TV.
I was in the Fr. Reilly Center at 6:15 to personally welcome those who accepted the invitation to come to our parish wisdom sharing meeting. We were set up for 50 people and had enough materials for the same number. As 7:00 P.M. came we needed to set up more tables and chairs and share handouts among those in attendance. I glanced around the room at one point and realized that there were 72 in attendance! Luke chapter 10 came to my mind “he sent out his 72 new disciples. They had traveled to the very ends of the earth, healing the sick, and preaching the Gospel Jesus had taught them. Several months later, they returned to Jesus to give an update on their ministry.”
The hum of conversation in the hall reminded me of the First Pentecost, each sharing their thoughts about parish life, personal stories, and what we mean to each other as a community of faith. The willingness to let down our guard and share the challenges and disappointments we experience as members of the Catholic Church helped us to realize that many of us were on the same page.
Seeds of affirmation and challenge were planted in the minds and hearts of all in attendance. Sifting and processing the wisdom that was shared will take some prayerful reflection on the part of all. The exciting take away for me is that there are many members of the Catholic Community of Sacred Heart who are engaged and want to see us move forward to a future guided by the power of the Holy Spirit. Several people since our meeting have shared their thoughts regarding what they experienced Monday evening. May the energy of our gathering empower us to continue to become the people and the community God calls us to be!
Fr. Bill