The Men’s Ministry (MM) has a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 23rd at 6:30 pm which will have a brief meeting and update on future plans. I hope that men of all ages—from early 20s and up—will   attend and learn about ways to be involved in a new ministry that aims to deepen our Christian lives and   spirituality as well as present opportunities to become involved in the parish and local community. 

It is my hope that we will gain insight into roles of Christian men in the family, the parish and   community — and find new ways to grow our parish through camaraderie and purpose through a revitalized MM. When I first arrived here the Men’s and Women’s “clubs” were very active and centerpieces of parish life. My desire is to regain that momentum with a spiritual purpose as a new focus for service and fellowship. It is also my hope that the men of the parish also share this intention. Please come on Wednesday the 23rd at 6:30 pm and find out more and then join in on this both personal and community growth. 

The Women’s Ministry (WM) is also seeking a new route to growth and strength. Currently, they have a survey up, https://forms.gle/Ezbtyhr8S59DBQPU8, and are asking all women of all ages in the parish for your input into desired subject matters of interest, projects and purpose. Please give them your input and your hopes on what a newly designed WM can do for you and for our parish community. A stronger spiritual self will strengthen the individual woman, the family and the greater community. 

Research (CARA 2023) illustrates that in fact we do learn from our parents about the practice of faith. That can be good and bad. As a priest, I hear far too frequently from adult parents that their adult children “don’t practice the faith anymore,” and they are saddened beyond belief. It is time to restore lived faith to our younger families.

This doesn’t mean lectures or “I told you so” annoyances, what it does mean is to be clear about Church teachings and our own application of the faith in our lives—testimonials—when we talk about Christ and Church in real, practical terms, we make it real and applicable. Beginning this Fall we will have brief   testimonials at various Masses highlighting the meaning of our faith in our own lives. “Rock Solid” stories— something new and unusual, but certainly Catholic—and meaningful from the heart.