Praised be Jesus Christ! I recently came across a quote I used years ago for a commencement address that I gave. The quote is from Albert Einstein, who was apparently more than just a remarkable mathematician: “Strange is our situation here on earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we know. That we are here for the sake of others... For the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected. Many times a day, I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.” As we conclude the First Communion celebrations this weekend (last Sunday was Christ the King’s, this Sunday is Saint John’s), we’re reminded of how great a treasure we have received in the Body and Blood of Jesus. And as Jesus Himself taught, “What you have received as gift, give as gift,” (Matthew 10:8). How often do you share your faith with others? Do people at your workplace know that you are Catholic? Are you ever ashamed of your faith? Probably most of us are guilty of being somewhat sheepish about living our faith in an unabashed way. We are working hard to provide the formation and tools to overcome this so that we can become better witnesses of the hope we share in Christ. For example, we are working with Evangelical Catholic to form small groups that will enhance our community spirit and inspire us to share how God has been working in our lives. Currently we have a number of parishioners from both Saint John’s and Christ the King receiving formation that will lead them to becoming small group leaders. One of the elements of our faith that we have not always fostered is the need to share it with others. A small group setting is the same method Jesus used in forming His Apostles in His three years of public ministry. If you’re interested in becoming a small group leader at some point, you’re welcome to contact me or Dave Alcott, who is spearheading this wonderful enterprise. While seemingly under the radar right now, it’s my belief that these small groups will do more to change our parishes than just about any of the other initiatives that we’ve tried. Another new facet of parish life is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Based on the extraordinary work of Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi, this is essentially Catholic Montessori that teaches the faith in probably the most effective way I’ve ever seen. We’re hosting the first level (3-6 year olds) once a week, and it’s going to grow because it’s been very enthusiastically received. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd teachers receive a lot of formation because they’re expected to not only know the faith, but also understand how children learn and the indispensable role of silence in learning. We would love to have a few more Catechists for this work and we’re happy to pay the cost of training. There will be a one-week training session in Wisconsin Rapids this summer and if you enjoy working with children and would like to participate, please contact the parish office at Saint John’s. My first exposure to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was a friend’s son, who at the age of about 7 told me with 100% accuracy how a priest gets vested before Mass. We’re blessed by these opportunities and now it’s your job to pray and determine if the Holy Spirit is moving you to respond. As Einstein so rightly observed, giving as much as we have received is at the heart of a happy human existence.
May God bless all who receive His Son in Holy Communion, especially our little ones who receive Him for the first time!
Your friend in Christ, Father Martin
May God bless all who receive His Son in Holy Communion, especially our little ones who receive Him for the first time!
Your friend in Christ, Father Martin
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