 Fr.
Tom's Tomes April 16, 2006
Alleluia! He is Risen! Happy Easter to all. This is the message we celebrate this weekend at all the Masses. For 40 days of Lent we have been preparing by prayer, fasting and works of charity to come to this great and glorious feast of Easter. For the next 50 days, until Pentecost, we will celebrate the salvation we have been given by Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection. Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose to bring us new life. The Easter season is a time to reflect upon our gift of baptism. Through the sacrament of baptism we become children of God. As God’s children we are redeemed, our sins forgiven and we inherit everlasting life. Through baptism we commit to following Jesus Christ in our lives. As Christians we need to show others the way to Jesus Christ. The readings of the Easter Season reflect upon the lives of the early believers called the Christians and how they followed Jesus Christ. It is a good time to look at the ministries of the parish and see how we reach out to the needs of others in our community to bring them the message of Jesus Christ. This Easter season it is my hope to invite and encourage each member of St. Columban to ask the question how am I involved in the parish and how do I bring Jesus Christ to others. Each and every Catholic is responsible to be actively involved in the life of the parish. It is not enough to just come to Mass and to pray. Each and every member is called by God to be active in the parish community life to assist in the on going mission of Jesus Christ. There are many people in our parish and every member is needed to assist in the ministries of the parish. No one should say it is time for others to take over, or, I have already done my share of the work, or, I have a young family and I do not have the time to become involved. Each and every person should say what is it that I can do to help. It might only be an hour or two a month, or maybe an hour or two a week, but we need everyone to help and take part. This week I would ask you to write down what you do for the parish. Put it down on a piece of paper and say this is what I do. Be honest and write down next to it how much time does it take. By putting it down on paper you can see what you do for the parish. I would ask you to bring that with you next week to Mass. God bless you and have a blessed Easter week. |