Setting the Chrch on Fire

Let’s Set the Church on Fire!

No, I am not advocating arson! Back in October of 2008 I began writing this column in response to a book I had read on pastoral planning and the renewal of parish life. I had written “In the very near future our diocese will be faced with a shortage of priests and we must start thinking now what this will mean to us and how we practice our faith.” This day has come. We are forming collaboratives with nearby parishes and reflecting upon better ways of “being Church.” We, the laity, people like you and me, need to rise to the challenge. God calls, we respond.

We have a good parish here at Sacred Heart. Are we content with being only good or do we want to “set the church on fire” with the Holy Spirit to become a truly great parish? Forming a great parish depends upon us, the parishioners. Jesus depended on His apostles, who were everyday people to form His Church and now we take up His call to discipleship. As we begin to form a collaboration with Lakeville, ask yourselves “Where does God need me? What can I do to help?” Please begin your reflection with prayer for the collaborative. We live in exciting times and Jesus needs our assistance to keep the enthusiasm going and growing!

Sacred Heart Parish offers many opportunities for worship and faith development. We do not “graduate” at confirmation and stop learning and growing in the faith. We are life-long learners. We are called to further our faith not only by attending Mass but by participation in adult faith enrichment programs such as Generations of Faith (not just for families), WINGS (Women in God’s Spirit), Why Catholic? and various prayer groups and ministries. We want to participate in these programs now because the day is here when we will each be called upon to spread the faith. Are we ready to heed God’s call? It is time to “set the church on fire” with the Holy Spirit and become a truly great parish and may God bless our collaboration with Sts. Martha & Mary in Lakeville.

God Bless – Holly Clark