Pastor's Corner

2016 09-25 Stewardship Time and Talent Sunday

Written by:

From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy

My brothers and sisters in Christ, the fall season is the time for stewardship renewal in our parish.  The International Catholic Stewardship Council stated, “The parish is where the Church lives, and stewards are the lifeblood of a successful parish. In the parish, we find community and support, liturgy and ritual, sacrament and healing.  In the parish, we find a way to give and receive.”  The Council also reminded us that, “the Christian steward knows participation in the parish is a win-win situation, feeding us as we feed others.”

As we reflect on these words, I am asking all parishioners to take some time to reflect on what stewardship means to us.  Stewardship involves doing what God wants us to do with the gifts He has given us.  Listen to hear if God is calling you to a more active, conscious participation in our parish – sharing your time, talents and treasure.  God has very definite plans for each one of us.  He has blessed each of us with a unique set of gifts, skills, talents and resources so we can play a special role in building up the kingdom of God here on earth.  Stewardship assists us in more fully embracing our call to discipleship and brings us closer to Our Lord and to each other.

At Saint Brigid we have more than eighty ministries that serve our parish community.  The Ministry Directory is available on the church hall racks, the parish office or you may view and download this booklet from the Saint Brigid Stewardship web page.   We invite you to take one home and look it over.  It lists all of our Saint Brigid ministries and there may be one that may interest you or a member of your family.  Maybe you are being called to be a lector, or a teacher.  Maybe you are being called to participate in our wedding ministry or bereavement ministry.  Maybe you are being called to participate in the life of our parish in some other way.  If you have not previously been actively involved in our parish, I invite you to get involved.  As in the past, we recommend that you prayerfully consider committing to just one ministry for one year.

Our Holy Father Pope Francis reminds us that, “Life is not given to us to be jealously guarded for ourselves, but is given to us so that we may give in return.” God promises us that He will always give us all that we need. I believe that God will give our parish what we need through your active involvement. Please ask God what He is calling you to do to enrich and strengthen our faith community.

As always, I thank God for you and all the ways that you give so generously.

Gratefully Yours in Christ,

Fr. Neil Herlihy

2016 10-16 World Mission Sunday
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