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Dear Parishioners,
This weekend we celebrate Catechetical Sunday. It is a time to thank our catechists and teachers as they take on the formidable challenge of participating with the children’s parents in the faith development of their children. Our goal is to create a community enlivened by the Gospel spirit of freedom and charity. Our religious education, both in the school and in the after-school classes, seeks to help the students in such a way that the development of personality will be matched by the growth in their understanding of what it means to be baptized in Christ.
The Sunday Eucharist is central to our lives as Catholics. The Greek word “eucharist” means “thanksgiving.”
Living thankful lives: This includes being thankful for creation and for the continuing loving care and presence of God, and being thankful for Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and their presence and influence in our lives.
Rooted in gratitude, we recognize the reality of the brokenness of the human condition. This brokenness is a part of all of our lives. It is a sign of the incompleteness of creation. It touches each of us in one way or another. It is intertwined in our economic, political, social, educational, and religious institutions.
In the Eucharist, we break out of the feeling that all is lost. We refuse to be isolated from one another. The Holy Communion we receive is Jesus who redeems and restores us to our true self. We are made whole. Our hope is restored, and, thus, we return to our journey to make a difference.
With all this in mind, a group of parishioners and staff will attend the Archdiocese Day of Renewal — on Monday, September 25th - Rosemont Theater. Let me explain the day’s purpose:
WHAT – A one-day gathering of parish leadership to join together in prayer and share examples of the spiritual renewal underway in our parishes. The day will reground us in the vision of renewal and dedicate time to celebrate the importance of the Eucharistic celebration as the source and summit of our lives and the missionary discipleship to which we are called. Following several years of parish structural changes, this is an important moment in the life of our local Church, and we are excited to come together and find inspiration from the Holy Spirit and one another as we answer the Lord's call: Renew My Church.
WHY – We are called by Christ to work together for the renewal of our local Church. By praying together, learning together, and sharing with one another, this gathering will offer us a shared experience of inspiration and practical insights for the spiritual renewal of our parishes.
WHO – All Archdiocesan priests, all clergy serving in parishes (diocesan, religious, and extern priests and deacons), and three to five additional parish leaders chosen by the pastor from each parish.
St. Patricia will have Siu Yu, Amy Barnard, Bob Tate, Freddy Villegas, Missy Keegan, Fr. Chris Kituli and Fr. Meany.
Peace, Fr. Mike Meany
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