WHERE WE WORSHIP
I was delighted to see so many people at Mass during the Christmas season! I like the feeling of solidarity with fellow believers. We’re strengthened by everyone’s presence.
It also helped that our church building, where we worship together, was wonderfully beautiful during the past few weeks. Many thanks to all those who decorated the church for the season–especially Mary and Bob Bejblik. Thanks also to our younger volunteers from our parish Faith Formation program, coordinated by Janelle Rohr.
2023 – IT’S AN ODD YEAR
- Retired Pope Benedict recently died. It was very unusual for a pope to retire, yet Benedict did so. May he rest in peace.
- Pope Francis continues to promote synodality, the church’s term for a process that emphasizes listening to everyone in our Roman Catholic church. I think that’s a very healthy approach to facing today’s challenges. It reflects the thinking of the Second Vatican Council, which called for increased engagement with and by the laity.
- Locally, Archbishop Hebda has asked all parishes to continue participating in our archdiocesan synod process. That means continued opportunities to ask questions, listen, and respond to local challenges. Let’s do that.
- Very locally: we’re a volunteer parish, led almost entirely by lay people. We’re fortunate at St. Matt’s to have many volunteers engaged in multiple ministries, councils and projects. Let us pray that even more volunteers come forward this year. (Maybe you’re one of them?)
- It’s far easier to see in hindsight what the Holy Spirit is doing among us. Still, I feel like there’s an emerging pattern, a pattern that emphasizes a form of church with extensive lay leadership. That’s an opportunity. It’s also a challenge.
- I wonder, what lies ahead for us in 2023? This is St. Matt’s, so I expect a great New Year!
Have a great week!
Leave a Reply