Got Gifts?
In
our Church today, we find in our laity a huge reservoir of talent and expertise
just waiting to be called on in the service of the Kingdom.
Theresa EE-Choi, Member of the Pontifical
Council for the Laity (Malaysia)
Do you have talents to offer?
In this new millennium we are facing a culture of pastoral planning as the
number priests and religious decline drastically. We each need to do a serious
inventory of our gifts and talents and discover where we can put them to the
best use in service to our Lord and our parish. You may say “I have no talent.
I have nothing to offer…” Nonsense! Everyone has a talent for something! Even a
baby can give away a smile.
A few years ago I was
unemployed and feeling a bit worthless when I was at Mass one Sunday morning
and saw a Stewardship form for volunteering time and talent. I thought as I was
not working that I had plenty of time to offer and did an inventory of my talents.
I filled out the form offering my graphic design skills. My first project was
designing a bulletin board for CCD classes. Later projects included flyers,
PowerPoint presentations and building the parish website. Through this
stewardship of time and talent I found myself reawakened spiritually. I fell in
love with ministry! Stewardship lit the flame of my heart and I decided to
dedicate my life to ministry. (You never know what God has in mind for you!)
Today’s Gospel speaks of
generosity. How are you generous towards others, toward God? I would ask each
of you to reflect upon your gifts. Perhaps ask your friends and families where
they think you are talented. I guarantee you there is spot here for you! Be
brave! Walk into, or call, the church offices and say “YES! I am here to donate
my time and talent!” If the church is to survive and thrive in the third
millennium she will need ALL of us working together in communion with Christ.
Let us go forward in hope! A new
millennium is opening before the Church like a vast ocean upon which we shall
venture, relying on the help of Christ.
Novo Millennio Ineunte, Pope John Paul
II, 2000
God Bless, Holly Clark
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