Seems like we just started our New Year’s resolutions (some of them already fallen to the wayside) and we are gearing up for the season of Lent. As I write it is another snowy New England day; after we got rid of all the snow from our January thaw. I am thinking of the book by Sr. Mary Fahey, an adult spirituality book written much like a children’s book: The Tree that Survived Winter. It is a quick read and worth getting through the library.
I have stated repeatedly that “faith is caught not taught!” That is why we are paying attention to Faith Formation in our parish as opposed to Religious Education. Keeping on top of the latest techniques in engaging our community in passing on the faith is a top priority here at Sacred Heart. With that goal in mind Pam Chaplin is participating in “Vibrant Faith Institute” and gaining the knowledge, skills, and practices we need as a Catholic Community to develop faith in the 21st century.
Several of you asked “my take” on the president’s comments about Haiti and African nations. I can’t comment on Africa and European colonization and the outside forces that had such a negative impact on African development. However, I can certainly comment on Haitian history and all the negative influences that impacted Haitian development.
Over these past years I have had conversations with many of you concerned about family members and friends who are Catholic and no longer practice their faith. Many have said these and similar words of concern; “Father, we did everything we could to raise them in the faith we cherish, they received all their sacraments, brought them to church every week, and now they do not practice their faith, and are not even baptizing their own children.” “I am broken hearted that my neighbor just buried her Mom, who was a daily Mass attendee, and because she doesn’t practice her faith any more, they didn’t have a Mass at church for her!”
It’s a New Year and still the Christmas Season through Monday, January 8 th when we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. I am sure that many of us have made our New Year’s resolutions with great intentions to keep them. As this New Year begins I invite us to focus on our spiritual lives and make time to attend the Annual Parish Retreat directed by Fr. Carl Chudy. It will be here in our parish center Friday January 19 th and Saturday, January 20 th. It is free, but due to meal planning you must sign up. Details are elsewhere in the bulletin, in briefs, on the website and on the pamphlets in the church.