 Fr.
Tom's Tomes December 31, 2006
New Year’s Eve is the time to make resolutions for the new year. Each year it appears there is a tradition people make resolutions, promises, or thoughts of some how improving their lives. Very often the new years resolutions are short lived. It is important though to take time to examine what a person really wants to do to improve their lives. Our lives are dynamic and are ever changing. We need to always be aware of the fact we need to examine where we are in our lives and where we need to grow and change. This is not only in our spiritual lives but in all aspects of living. Individual change may need to occur in any area of our lives from health to relationships to employment to recreation to volunteering. This year I would ask all parishioners to consider a opportunity to help St. Columban. This year I will be talking more about supporting our parish. We need to increase our income to off set the expenses we have. We also need to have more people give of your time and talent to help the parish out. Since I have been here I have seen the need for all of these areas of individuals to help out more. It is not that people are not generous but with everything costing more and the desire of the parish council to continue to reach out more to others to help them we need more and more support from parishioners. As you consider your resolutions for the coming year I would invite you to increase your contribution to the parish. If every parishioner would increase their gift by one or two dollars a week this would go far in helping to pay the bills we have. I would also invite parishioners to think about donating one hour a week to the parish. This could be in the form of helping to keep all of our parish buildings clean and in good shape. Others might choose to help with the youth when they go on outings. We can use volunteers in the school to assist with the task of keeping our alumni records current. The early learning center could use adults to help rock or talk to the infants who come. We can use help with watching the children at recess during the day or those who have education backgrounds may choose to help assist students who need tutoring. We can always use individuals who would like to visit those who are in the nursing home or who are home bound. One area of ministry at Mass which is greatly needed is additional Eucharistic Ministers. If you are interested in being an Eucharistic Minister please let Fr. Tom or Rose Lee Davis know. There will be a training session at St. Columban on Saturday, March 10, 2007. We do need about 20 additional Eucharistic Ministers for Mass. The training will last from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm. If you have considered being an Eucharistic Minister now is the time to sign up. If you would just like to bring communion to the sick this is also the day to be trained to do this. As the members of our parish become older we need more and more individuals willing to take communion to those who can not come to Mass. Have you thought about being a reader at Mass during the week or on weekends? We also need more volunteers for this. The training for becoming a reader at Mass is also March 10, 2007. For all current Eucharistic Ministers and Readers I am asking all to attend this day of training. This will serve as a renewal day. All current Eucharistic Ministers and Readers should plan to attend this day of training. We need to have reservations for all new and current members for Eucharistic Ministers and Readers to call in by Friday, February 16, 2007. Please call the parish office at 646-0190 to register. Thank you for your help. As we begin a new year may the blessing of God be upon you and your family. |