Dear Fellow Parishioners, Last week I stated that we need to “be church in a different way.” Church as we know it has been changing at a tremendous rate and the speed of that rate has been accelerated by the pandemic. It is up to us to be flexible and willing to trust that the power of God’s Holy Spirit is blowing at our backs and not in our face. Like John Lewis, we need to see these times as “Walking with the Wind” and not resisting the opportunities that our political divisions, civil unrest, pandemic challenges present us. In light of that I would like to bring to your attention three ways that members of our community are being moved in a creative way by the Spirit.
In light of the racial tensions that exist, we as a majority white community need to dive in deep to understand racial tensions and issues. Beginning on Tuesday September 8th we will be offering an eight-week course through Justfaith Catholic Ministries on Faith and Racial Equity: Exploring Power and Privilege. It’s not too late to join the 16 of us who will explore these issues together. We will “gather” from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. each Tuesday. If you are interested please let me know directly or through the office by August 17th. If we can meet in the church we will; if necessary we will hold Zoom sessions.
A new way to “gather” as men to support each other in deepening our faith is being offered. Some men of our parish and deanery are forming a “That Man is You” support team beginning October 10th through Zoom. That Man is You! honestly addresses the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers. The program harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive! Interested in being a part? Contact…Ernie Chaplin - [email protected] or 508.963.4182
In this summer heat, some of you may believe the science of Climate Change. Pope Francis in his second encyclical Laudato si' "on care for our common home" encourages us to work together toward swift and unified global action. Kevin Maldarelli is our lead agent in representing our parish on the diocesan level to take the steps necessary to join in this global action. Interested in this effort? Contact Kevin at [email protected] or 619.540.7898
Yes, being church in a different way is necessary. For me, it means that we stop looking “in” and start looking “out” at a world that needs our energy and enthusiasm found in the Gospel we follow. Ready to jump in?