 Fr.
Tom's Tomes January 15, 2006
This weekend we begin a series of Ordinary Sundays in our Liturgical Year. Normally the Sunday after Epiphany is the Baptism of the Lord. Since Christmas fell on a Sunday, this moved other feasts during the Christmas Season and therefore the Baptism of the Lord was celebrated at Mass this past Monday. John’s Gospel this weekend describes John the Baptist indicating to Andrew that Jesus is the Lamb of God and the Messiah. John the Baptist knew he was only the precursor to Jesus Christ. John the Baptist understood he was to guide people to Jesus. In our world today the Catholic Church guides individuals to Jesus Christ and to God. Many people come each weekend to hear the Scripture readings, to receive the Eucharist and to draw closer to God. But this is only part of the way the Catholic Church leads people to God. In our parish of St. Columban, we assist people on their journey to God through many different areas of ministry. Through sacramental preparation, RCIA, CCD, Bishop Hogan School, bringing communion to the sick and shut ins are a few ways we reach out to help people on their pilgrimage to God. As we begin this period of Ordinary Time in the Liturgical Year I am going to be taking the next few weeks and talking during the homily time about what I see as the future for St. Columban and inviting people to take part in the different areas of outreach to others. I have been at St. Columban for about six months now and believe I would like to begin to share with parishioners my vision for its future. As I begin this weekend there is a need to let you know that there is a need for more individuals to become more involved with the parish ministries. There is a need to ask, invite and for you to respond to say yes I will help in the development and ongoing outreach which has already begun at St. Columban. There are many areas in which we are able to use the gifts and talents of all parishioners. I invite you to begin to think about how you would like to be involved in our parish life. There is also a need for each and every parishioner to respond financially to the parish. I know and believe stewardship is an important response on our part to the generosity of God in our lives. Stewardship is responding to God’s blessings with our return. Stewardship is giving of the time and talent we have along with a return of the first 10% of our income to God. I am inviting all parishioners to give 5% of your income to the support of St. Columban and its ministries. During the next few weeks as I talk about the ministries I will also be talking about the financial commitment we all need to be making. Please join me between now and the Season of Lent to see where we all can work to share God’s love with others and to continue to direct more people to follow Jesus Christ. God bless you. |