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From the Pastor&
A doctor conducting a physical examination noticed bad bruises on the patient's shins.
"Those from playing hockey or soccer?
"Neither," replied the patient. "Bridge."
I was reading an article about Dr. Karl Menninger, the famous psychiatrist. He had given a lecture on mental health and afterward answered questions from the audience. "What would you advise a person to do if that person felt a nervous breakdown coming on?"
Most people expected him to reply: "Consult a psychiatrist." To their astonishment, he replied, "Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find someone in need and do something to help that person."
I agree with his answer 100%. The best thing to do when we feel down is to get out of the house and help someone. But we don't have to wait until we're "blue" to help. There is always someone needing our time and charity.
It's interesting that
Jesus didn't choose his disciples just so they could be with him. Yes, he wanted their company, he didn't want to be alone on his mission to build up the "Reign of God." But he also wanted to send them out to announce the Good News.
The first time he sends out the disciples he gives them some direction, directions that are still in the gospel, directions that remain in force. They could take a staff and a pair of sandals. For the rest, they are not allowed to take anything, no food, no backpack, no extra clothing, and no money. The practical consequence of those rules is that they made themselves dependent on the hospitality of those who would receive them.
Ministers of the gospel must trust
others, the people to whom they are sent. We call it
hospitality these days. The entire staff at St. John's must trust you and your hospitality. This is your home parish and we minister to you and with you to one another.
Now the staff asks for your help. We are moving out of the old convent, the parish center, and into the rectory. Could you help with the move: desks, files, chairs, tables, computers, etc.? We are moving at the end of February, the beginning of March. Families, fathers and sons, mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, scouts, Confirmation candidates??
Simply call the parish office and give your name, phone #, day of the week, and times you could help. Can we count on a few of you stepping forward to help?
One of the reasons we
are asking parishioners is the bottom line: Money! If
you notice, the collections are low this year. We are trying to watch our expenses. A moving company would be quite expensive. Save the money to stay in the black! Y
Thanks for your consideration!
-- Fr. Bill Murtaugh
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