“Without a vision the people perish!” Proverbs 29:18
These words from Proverbs come to mind as we plan for the year ahead here in the Catholic Community of Sacred Heart. We often get the impression that “summertime and the living is easy.” That is not the case in a Catholic Parish nor a school system where major planning, hiring and preparations are made by staff and administration for the year ahead. Normally during this period, we decide exactly what will happen with faith formation, dates for sacramental preparation, parish gatherings and fund raisers, putting into place our annual stewardship appeal, scheduling building, classroom and church use. This task is made more challenging and difficult as we navigate through the pandemic. It is not over and there are many unknowns. Therefore, Pam in particular has invited all of us, especially families with children in Faith Formation to check in through Zoom meetings to give us some direction in their comfortability in gathering in the year ahead. Our Mission as a parish is clear, “Becoming and Making Disciples, Welcoming All to Follow Jesus Christ!” How we implement our mission is where we seek your wisdom. We want to always invite the people we are planning for to be involved in the planning process. In this way we can effectively carry out the Vision of our faith that is described in the Gospel; “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News!’ In order to move forward, each household and individual needs to take the time to contemplate some basic questions that set vision and mission for our homes. These questions come to mind: ¨What makes you a Catholic Family/individual? ¨How can I/we grow in my/our Catholic Faith? ¨What supports me/us in deepening my/our relation with Christ? ¨How can I use my/our God given gifts, skills and talents in building up the Catholic Community of Sacred Heart and in the world? ¨How important is my/our commitment to follow Christ as a roman Catholic? ¨What are the challenges/obstacles you face in practicing your faith (your family practicing faith)? “Without a vision the people perish!” What is your vision as a Catholic household, family and individual? These are important to contemplate in order that we not perish but have life on high in Jesus Christ.