Welcoming Missionary Sisters & Welcome Back Gift Bags

This weekend we are blessed to have two Sisters from the Medical Missionaries of Mary visiting both of our parishes to share with us the wonderful ministry they do in many parts of the world. So much of what they do in caring for others – Catholics and non-Catholics alike – shows forth the compassion of Jesus and the Church for those who are in need. See the article this week for more information on their missionary work. Please join me in supporting them through prayer and a financial donation in accordance with your means.

As you know, we are part of a universal Church (the very word “catholic” means universal). As baptized Christians we are all connected and partially responsible for the local, diocesan, and worldwide Church. “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News!” When we cannot act directly in one of those spheres, we are called to act through supporting those who can act directly – by our prayers, and to the extent possible, through sharing some of the treasures God has given us.

On the local level, we are working together with other parishioners to reach out in yet another way to those who are not with us in our parish worship & gatherings, whether because of the pandemic or some other reason. The next big things we are initiating are the Welcome Back Gift Bags and “The Big Event”. Please take time to read about these in this column, other articles, and on our website, so you can support these important initiatives of “the new evangelization” in our local Church as well as abroad. Right now, I am less concerned about financial support than the need for prayers and reservations for the Big Event October 3, and practical assistance distributing over 2,600 gift bags over the next three weeks! If you can help with any of our Welcome Back Initiative, please contact the committee through [email protected] as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, all of you need to help in one specific way TODAY: please take a moment right after Mass to take your own gift bag home with you – that will be one less gift volunteers need to deliver to parishioner homes! These bags are a simple yet sincere gesture of our prayers for all of our parishioners and our desire to connect with them in more meaningful ways in the weeks and months to come. Please read the materials in the gift bag too, which will help you be more informed about the many ways to be involved in the upcoming events and ongoing ministries and activities in our parish communities.

Thank each of you for being the unique, important parts of our parish communities that you are!
- Fr. Joe