Pastors Notes from November 13, 2022
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November 14, 2022Last week I had the privilege of con-celebrating a funeral Mass at Resurrection of our Lord Catholic Church in Pocahontas with Fr. Collison, native son of Boone. He may move a bit slower now, but still has that wry sense of humor, characteristic smile and gracious attitude. His ministry remains the same: bringing solace and hope to those grieving (so evident at the Mass last Saturday), welcoming to parishioners and visitors alike, guiding the congregation with a spirit of faith, and celebrating the Eucharist as a privilege. In his seventieth year, of the last graduating class of Ryan Catholic High School, Fr. Collison’s ministry reminds us of the blessing of faith shared within our homes and family life; and God’s continued calling of others within our Boone County Catholic Community toward religious life and ordained ministry.
Each person called by God to serve will bring forth their own personality, characteristics, abilities and gifts to share with others who are seeking the hope and presence of God in their lives. Vocations awareness commenced last week, but such should always be encouraged within families by our Christian values, our generosity and the prayers shared within your homes. We have eight seminarians presently in formation, taking the risk of following God’s call—and their heart—to someday serve the parishes and people of our diocese. Their comments in the recent edition of the Lumen highlighted not just faith but enthusiasm and a personal comfort with the decision to respond to God’s calling. Not always easy. Whatever one’s vocation, God’s calling —single life, marriage, religious life or ordained ministry—may we nurture and support family members and friends to walk the path faith provides.
In the affirming words of Pope Francis on the World Day of Prayers for Vocations: Vocation arises in this way, thanks to the art of the divine Sculptor who uses his ‘hands’ to make us go forth from ourselves and become the masterpiece that we are called to be. The word of God, which frees us from self-absorption, is especially able to purify, enlighten and recreate us. So let us listen to that word, in order to become ever more open to the vocation that God entrusts to us! And let us learn to listen also to our brothers and sisters in the faith, for their advice and example may help disclose the plan of God, who shows us ever new paths to pursue.“
As Christians, we do not only receive a vocation individually; we are also called together. We are like the tiles of a mosaic. Each is lovely in itself, but only when they are put together do they form a picture. Each of us shines like a star in the heart of God and in the firmament of the universe. At the same time, though, we are called to form constellations that can guide and light up the path of humanity, beginning with the places in which we live. This is the mystery of the Church: a celebration of differences, a sign and instrument of all that humanity is called to be.
For this reason, the Church must become increasingly synodal: capable of walking together, united in harmonious diversity, where everyone can actively participate and where everyone has something to contribute. . . In every vocation we are met by the gaze of God, who calls us. Vocation, like holiness, is not an extraordinary experience reserved for a few. Just as there is a ‘holiness of the saints next door,’ so too there is a vocation for everyone, for God’s gaze and call is directed to every person.”
A special thank you to the chairs of Sacred Heart’s Parish Supper, and the many volunteers who contributed their time and efforts. As with all gatherings, profits is secondary to the grace of community, Christian hospitality, and the sharing of our time and presence—a Christian endeavor. Such is witnessed and present at our funeral luncheons whether at St. Malachy, St. John church or Sacred Heart: a sincere Christian hospitality through the efforts of individuals offering their time and faith as hosts to parishioners and visitors alike. Thank you for sharing your time and faith.
In response to the first line of our gospel passage—“Some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings”— the words of Ann Frank gives us pause: “Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness. People are just people, and all people have faults and shortcomings, but all of us are born with a basic goodness.”
God Bless, Fr. Tim
For our Veterans: “The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” (Abraham Lincoln)