Pastor's Message for Jan 1st
New Year's Resolution
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. A special thanks to the many active disciples who supported our many Christmas celebrations. What a joyful Christmas it was here at St. Leonard!
For all of us the New Year is a chance, once again, for a fresh start or a renewed commitment to making something good happen in our lives. Might I suggest that this year we make a New Year’s resolution to take S.T.E.P.S. to grow as a disciple.
Father Garry White, author of Rebuilt, “outlines five major steps to take that clearly and consistently challenge people on the discipleship path.” He uses an acronym to illustrate the discipleship path:
S.T.E.P.S.
Let’s look at how we can apply these actions to grow as disciples in 2020.
S: Serve in a Ministry or Mission
My experience is that those that serve in activities that support the work of the Parish or work in outreach to the less fortunate in our community or in the world, grow closer to God and the Church. Jesus said about himself that he did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom. Service is absolutely essential to growth as a follower of Jesus Christ.
T: Tithe or Give
Sure, the Parish needs money to function. But that’s not why this is a step on the path toward spiritual development. God wants our hearts. We need to be challenged from trusting in our money to trusting in our God. I have always found it interesting that our hearts will follow our money. Thus, it makes sense for us to invest our money where we want our hearts to go. If we want to have a heart for our Parish, then start giving there. If we want to grow in charity for the poor, give there.
E: Engage in Faith Formation and Small Groups
Removing a burning log from a blazing fire will cause it to go out much quicker than it would have if it had remained in the fire. So too with our faith. Left alone to our own spiritual practices and routines our faith can cool. We need to continue to learn about Jesus and seek the fellowship of other Catholics to keep our faith burning brightly. Find a way to be in regular communion with a small group of like-minded people. This year make a point of joining a discussion group at a Faith Formation session, taking a Cursillo retreat or starting up a Bible Study Group.
P: Practice Prayer; Celebrate the Sacraments
Prayer and the celebration of the Sacraments helps us to grow in our love for God. Without them our souls grow weak. Set aside some quiet time each day where you can read Scripture or a daily devotional and reflect on what God is trying to tell you. First thing in the morning works best for me. Fully participate in the Eucharist and this year make a commitment to regularly receive God’s forgiveness through the sacrament of Confession.
S: Share Your Faith through Evangelization
Jesus told his disciples to “go and make disciples of all the nations”. “One on One” evangelization has been proven to work best. This year I challenge you to invest some time with someone in your family or in the local community, build a trusting relationship, share the blessings that you have received from your faith, and invite them to join us for Mass one Sunday. Trust me, your faith will grow as it is shared.
My own personal New Year’s Resolution this year is to engage more with friends, family and parishioners. It can be lonely sometimes when you live alone and I know that when I spend time with others, especially those that are on the same journey to Christ, I am much better for it. So don't be surprised if you see more of me at small group breakfasts or discussion groups. Oh, and please don't hesitate to invite me to dinner!
My best wishes to you and your family as we embark on a new decade. May this year and the entire decade be filled with the love that Jesus has for you, the love that you have for God and the love you have for your neighbour.
God bless you folks! Father Gerard