Dear Parishioners:
One of the joys of being a Pastor is the gift of being in touch with many people who are excited and eager. When I am stretched beyond my personal limits, I am renewed by those who can take up the charge with their zeal. In a parish like St. Timothy, folks are always available to keep things moving, some would say, even stirred-up at times! The number of announcements and requests for opportunity to connect with the congregation after weekend Masses grows throughout the year. At times, the Pastor has to serve as a “traffic cop” in order to allow for an orderly departure into the parking lot.
The same is true regarding the use of space throughout the week. We have three persons who work closely together to oversee the building and grounds and to keep us all informed concerning the space. George Mosholder, our principal, sees to the use of the School spaces, including classrooms, library and other areas. Mary Pat Boulware , our Cafeteria Manager, oversees use of the Gym/Parish Center and the Kitchen. Lucy Hickey, Parish Office Manager, takes care of the use of the Cafeteria (outside School time), the Teachers’ Lounge, the Multipurpose Room, and the Church. These three meet weekly to coordinate the requests and keep the maintenance staff and others informed of expected use. It becomes a challenge when multiple requests come for the same times. It is even more of a challenge when groups show up that have not contacted one of these three about the use of the particular area…. I am in awe of how few real problems we have had given the busy-ness of our schedule. I am also grateful to those who approach any difficulties with understanding.
Kudos are due to George, Mary Pat and Lucy, and to our maintenance crew, Nelson Flinders, Tamika Gilmore, Sue Hatfield and Sharon and Phil Hall for all they do to keep things moving along happily. I ask that you give them a word of thanks and full cooperation as we plan for the use of our facilities.
This week, please keep the priests of the Diocese of Columbus in your prayers. We will be gathering for a Convocation to learn more about the upcoming changes in the language of the Mass. Stay tuned for more information as the time for this transition approaches.
Next weekend, we will welcome Bishop Campbell to St. Timothy for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Keep our Confirmands in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Year of Prayer: Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit O Spirit of Wisdom,
preside over all my thoughts, words and actions,
from this hour until the moment of my death.
Spirit of Understanding, enlighten and teach me.
Spirit of Counsel, direct my inexperience.
Spirit of Fortitude, strengthen my weakness.
Spirit of Knowledge, instruct my ignorance.
Spirit of Piety, make me fervent in good works.
Heavenly Spirit, make me persevere in the service of God,
and enable me to act on all occasions
with goodness and kindness, charity and joy,
with long-suffering, mildness and fidelity.
Let the heavenly virtues of modesty, continency and chastity,
adorn the temple you have chosen for your abode.
Spirit of Holiness, by your all powerful grace,
preserve me from the misfortune of sin. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
St. Timothy came to know Jesus through the preaching of the generations of Christians that preceded him. From St. Paul (second generation) and the other Apostles (first generation), he no doubt learned the stories of Jesus’ life and ministry and of the growth of the Church that led to unity among Jews and Gentiles. Since his own family had already experienced something of that unity (his mother was Jewish and his father was Greek), it was up to Timothy to continue to preach and teach the unity that is ours in Christ.
St. Paul saw Timothy as a true co-worker in Christ, sending him to various communities in his stead as a “brother and co-worker for God in the gospel of Christ” (I Thessalonians 3:2), acknowledging that he was “doing the work of the Lord just as I am.” (I Corinthians 16:10) Indeed, he felt like a father to Timothy, pointing out “how as a child with a father he served along with me in the cause of the gospel.” (Philippians 2:22)
Reflections on the Liturgy: The Church is hierarchical. Unfortunately, this word has been greatly misunderstood in our times. Hierarchy is a “holy ordering.” It is a structure that allows for coordination and cooperation among all members, each contributing the gifts that belong to each for the good of the whole community. The Church is most present when all the members are gathered together in communion with the local representative of the hierarchy – the Bishop. When Bishop and People worship God together, the purpose of the hierarchy is most evident. When the Sacraments are celebrated and the Holy Trinity is invoked, the Church is cooperating with the economy of grace that flows through the hierarchical structure. As one bumper sticker puts it: “Clergy generate high praise.” The hierarchy of the Church is in service of unity in praise and worship of the Living God. Christ is the Head of the Church and we are His members. The hierarchy serves to manifest this in worship and in all the actions performed in the Name of Christ as Church in the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment