Dear Parishioners,
All summer long, Mrs. Hobbs spent time in school getting things ready for a new beginning. Sister Tess and her staff did the same for the Parishes School of Religion. Their heroic service is a genuine work of love for our parish and the children of our programs this year. That gift of love is a great example to all. Sharing the love of Christ and sharing that love — lovingly — are hallmarks of a Christian disciple, of a Catholic devoted to following Christ.
As September begins, we have just celebrated (really!) the loving generosity of our parishioners. Our annual Stewardship Renewal took place the last three weekends in August. Every parish family has been invited to celebrate the good gifts God has given and to share those gifts with our parish, and through our parish, with those who are in need. That simple tri-fold card may seem to some to be rather insignificant, but it is truly related to bringing up the bread and wine at Mass. We offer what we have for the sake of others. And as we know, the Lord loves a cheerful giver. Our stewardship commitment is our way of being faithful to our work of discipleship. As in Matthew 25, the Lord expects us to use the talents we’ve been given for the good of the Church, the parish, the needy and not to bury or hide them. Having been given such great gifts, we’re called to be grateful and generous. That generosity brings so much joy to the disciple.
If we need any inspiration in becoming generous disciples, let’s take our inspiration from the example of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Her willingness to love everyone was her own generosity of spirit — caring for the poorest of the poor, the most neglected. We celebrate her memorial on Sept. 5. May her prayer for us help us see others as she did. More information on her follows later in this newsletter.
On Sept. 14, we keep the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Never has the world seen a more loving gift of self than on the cross of Jesus Christ. His love is poured out for our life, for our salvation. What have we graciously been given for the good of others?
Let’s commit ourselves to “do small things with great love,” for the glory of God and the good of our parish in the days ahead. God bless you all!
Peace,
Very Rev. Godfrey Mullen, OSB
Cathedral Rector