Congratulations to all graduates of 2022; high school graduates, undergrads and those who have completed their graduate and post-graduate studies. It always amuses me that at graduation we celebrate the end of something, yet the ceremony is referred to as a COMMENCEMENT. So… graduation is NOT the end of something as much as it is the beginning of something new… something wonderful, exciting and fresh! On behalf of our parish family, we celebrate all our graduate’s accomplishments to this point but also all the OPPORTUNITIES before them to become and accomplish great things. As Fr. Greg said in his homily, “Our Pentecost is the celebration of what is to come, not of what we have been.”
I have been reflecting on the future of Faith Formation as I begin to work on planning for next year. The last several years have been a challenge to say the least. Between Covid and not having a Faith Formation Coordinator, it has been really, really difficult trying to offer a flexible program that meets everyone’s needs.
We know from research and practice that faith is formed in many different settings and many different ways; intergenerational faith communities, in families, in peer groups, and through service. We also know how important parents and the whole family are in the faith-forming process. Today’s families present new challenges and opportunities than families of past decades. We will need to create new faith formation initiatives and identify which practices work best for today’s families.
I am asking for your help! I want to hear from you! We will be having “listening sessions” next Sunday through Wednesday on Zoom at 7PM. Everyone is invited to join the conversation. A zoom link will be sent out via email this week.
Like our graduates, we have the opportunity to create something new and exciting in the area of Faith Formation. Please join the process.
For all our graduates –I’ll leave you this week with an Irish Prayer:
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.