A Good Problem to Have

I used to think that I was supposed to manage my life in such a way that everything would go smoothly and life would be peaceful and serene. Reality shows us that life is a balance of blessings and challenges, but God can transform even the challenges into opportunities to learn, grow, and help others. I find it easier to see this when my problems are “good problems” - problems that arise as a result of something good happening. For example, several years ago I needed to replace most of my wardrobe. This problem resulted from a success in reaching my goal weight, so it was a good problem to have! A few months ago we had more expenses associated with the “Discovering Christ” program than I anticipated, but it was a result of filling St. Martha church hall with over 80 people eager to deepen their faith! The same can be said of the added salary expenses involved with adding a children’s choir at St. Mary, a second youth service mission for our collaborative each summer, et cetera.
 
My reflection today comes in part from working on the budget for next year. The particular “good problem” I am thinking of is the fact that these ministries and the growth of the parishes in our collaborative cannot happen without a corresponding growth of discipleship in each of us. While many parishioners are already growing as disciples (53% according to our Disciple Maker Index survey), Pope Francis’ recent letter reminds us that following Christ and growing in holiness is not just for the few but it is the call of every baptized Christian. We are all part of that “mustard seed” of last week’s gospel reading, and we need to take at little time to focus on growing in our spiritual life. If you need help getting started (or restarted), consider reading a book about Jesus or prayer for summer reading, or a small booklet of short daily Catholic reflections - all of which are readily available at La Salette Shrine or Mount St. Mary Monastery. Nurturing our faith to grow like the mustard plant is the true way to finding peace and serenity in our lives - even with all the ups and downs!
 
So am I going off on a tangent just to avoid working on the budgets for both parishes? No (well, maybe just a little avoidance... ;-).  Growth in discipleship is not a tangent to the practical and financial necessities of our parishes. A recent study in our archdiocese of the parishes participating in collaboratives shows that there is an average increase in parish offertory in collaboratives that are actively engaged in the Disciples in Mission pastoral plan and growing as disciples (disengaged parishes are seeing more losses in offertory). Disciples long to grow in their faith, building Christian community, and in sharing their talents and treasure with the Church and those in need.

If you want to make your practical support of your parish easier for you, consider setting up automatic giving through our secure service (more info at pwc.church/on-line-giving), which allows both you and our staff to focus more on ministries, not money. After all, Jesus tells us: “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you.” Peace!