Pastors Notes from August 21, 2022
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August 22, 2022Tuesday is the beginning of the new school year for families whose sons and daughters will attend Sacred Heart Catholic School, Ogden Community School, Madrid Community School, Boone Community School, Ballard-Huxley and Boone United School. As the norm, summer vacation went by all too quickly, but the routine, activities, classmates, studies and responsibilities bring about a renewed energy and positive challenges for students, teachers and families. A brief prayer for students and families as the school doors open this week:
Lord Jesus, I ask for Your help as I begin this new school year.
Allow me to be myself in front of my teachers and with my classmates.
Open my eyes to the new challenges that will allow me to learn,
and the opportunities to be creative as this new school year brings.
Open my heart to be respectful of my classmates and teachers,
regardless of our differences.
Give me a generous spirit to do my homework to the best of my ability,
and allow my parents and teachers to help me when I struggle.
And may I always remember your lessons each school day:
to treat others as I would want to be treated,
and to pray for the blessing of your guidance. Amen
As with most endeavors in life, regardless of the profession or activity, there is a commonality that Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets, highlights. “Kids don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
As we step further into the diocesan direction of ‘one parish’ there are unanswered questions and concerns on the part of parishioners. In a discussion with parishioners last week the emphasis on communication seemed paramount, whether it is activities, programs, repairs, finances, ministries or staff and volunteers. I have been remiss about such communication, acknowledging it is important for all parishioners and visitors. However it is communicated, through the bulletin, website or announcements at Mass. Communication is vital for all parishioners to feel welcome and part of our Catholic Community regardless of what church they participate. Another area of concern is the parishioner’s participation in our ministries. Since COVID, volunteers for the various ministries have been a challenge. Hopefully, we will always be inviting for parishioners to step forward and participate regardless of their abilities, and most importantly, sharing their presence and faith within the Eucharist and parish activities. Other concerns have been raised: our financial integrity and responsibility, family participation within the Eucharist, and the future with fewer priests and parish clustering and closures. All such concerns are significant, and hopefully, with patience and faith we challenge each other to share in the responsibilities and blessings of our Catholic Community and the Eucharist. I will need your help and guidance as this process of “pastoral planning as one parish” is new to me. Thank you for your concerns and desire to keep our Catholic faith, community and the Eucharist as the primary focus guiding our lives and endeavors.
Please hold in your prayers our neighbor, Fr. John Gerald, pastor of St. Joseph in Jefferson and Grand Junction and Churdan. He is taking treatment for cancer. And for the priests and seminarians of our diocese, as several pastors are facing significant health issues.
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,” the emphasis of our gospel passage from Luke this weekend. Seems daunting, as even the disciples questioned if only a few people will be saved. J.C. Ryle, pastor and writer, explains it this way: The incorruptible things are all within the narrow gate. The peace of God. . .the bright hope of good things to come - the sense of the Spirit dwelling in us - the consciousness that we are forgiven, safe. . .whatever may happen - these are true gold, and lasting riches. But he warns: “If we are true Christians, we must not expect everything smooth in our journey to heaven. We must count it no strange thing, if we have to endure sicknesses, losses, bereavements, and disappointments, just like others. Free pardon and full forgiveness, grace along the way, and glory at the end; this our Savior has promised to give. But He has never promised that we shall have no afflictions.”
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” (Aristotle)