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From the Pastor&
Why are some parishies so alive and vital that Catholics will travel great distances to be affiliated with them? What is parish vitality? Remember the former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart? When asked to define obscenity, he said: "I shall not today attempt further to define [obscenity]... But I know it when I see it." We all know a vital parish when we see one, but it is difficult to exactly define the components of parish vitality.
Some people expect a parish to provide for all their needs. I clipped a Doonesbury comic strip that illustrated that quite clearly. The sign reads: Little Church of Walden. The pastor briefs the congregation about the week ahead. Reading from his clipboard, he begins by stating, "This Monday, of course, we have a lecture on nutrition from Kate Moss' personal chef... " Tuesday and Thursday will be our regular 12-step nights...
A parishioner breaks in, "Pastor, would that be drugs or sex addiction?" The pastor responds, "Drugs. Sex addition we've cut down to nine steps. That's on Friday at 6:30 p.m.--right after organic co-gardening... " The next frame he's saying, "also, a special treat--Saturday night will be aerobic male-bonding night. So bring your sneakers. Any questions? To all this, a parishioner asks, "Yes, is there a church service?" The pastor responds, "Canceled. There was a conflict with the self-esteem workshop."
Parishes, faith-communities, can sometimes forget what they are meant to be. Even Gary Trudease, the creator of Doonesbury, can see that. All the programs in the strip are of value. But are we about programs ? I, for one, think we've enough programs.
Christ didn't leave us programs. He calls us to discipleship, to gospel living. The Catholic Church gets a lot of negative press from the secular media. Even Catholics can bad-mouth the church. True, we are sometimes pitiful disciples of Christ. But the Church is the "Body of Christ." And Christ will not give up on his followers. There is more grace in Christ than sin in us.
If you and I care
about the church, there will be times when we get angry over
the frailties of our sisters and brothers, -- even Jesus got
angry with the religious leaders of his times. But will
you love the church like Christ loves his church? That is the question in our day. Will you sacrifice for the church as Christ sacrificed for the church?
Some things that happen in the church are silly. Some things are down right scandalous. But we are still Christ's body. We are called to be an alive church. Vitality is much more than a good liturgy on Sunday. What makes a parish exciting? It is when people (young and old) step forward to become involved in parish ministries!
I will ask the Parish Pastoral Council to make parish vitality one of our goals for next year. I encourage you, I challenge you, I ask you to step forward and become involved. I certainly want to belong to a faith-community that is vital. Don't you? I welcome your suggestions on parish vitality.
-- Fr. Bill
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