SIGNS OF THE TIMES
In a recent homily, Fr. Steve talked about the signs of the times. As he said, it is wise to pay attention to them. It is prudent to act on them. He went on to compare the early 1960s with today.
In response to the signs of the times in the 60s, Pope John XXIII called the Second Vatican Council into session. He knew that our Church needed to engage—not retreat—from everything that was happening.
How might we read today’s signs? How can we respond, locally and beyond?
I’m glad that part of our parish’s continuing response involves feeding the hungry (Loaves & Fishes), sheltering the homeless (Casa Guadalupana), and healing the sick (St. Mary’s Clinic). While these are among our highest profile ministries, we have others. (Ask me about GAB, for instance.)
What else might we do? Let’s start by asking a few questions, based on your personal experience in and around St. Matt’s:
- What do you notice in your immediate neighborhood, or on the West Side as a whole? Where do you see God at work?
- What are the needs? Where could we be at work?
Vatican II renewed the church of its day. Let us work to renew our church in our times.
Let us pray for wisdom and prudence to guide our work together.
NEW HYMNALS
We are replacing our current (2004) hymnals with new ones. I’m pleased. Not only will the new hymnal include some of the “greatest hits” of the past 18 years, it’ll also have a current order of Mass that reflects liturgical language changes instituted back in 2011.
If you would like to honor people in your life by dedicating a new hymnal to them, you’ll have that opportunity when they arrive. We’ll do that with a special nameplate we can put inside the front cover. The recommended donation is $20, which will be used to defray the cost of the hymnals.
Thank you for your support, and have a great week!
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