Atttitude
Following the Religious Education Committee decision, rumors started: We're doing too much, too fast; teachers are quiting; etc. It seems on second thought understanding of the challenge and excitement is surfacing.
We have never accepted the attitude "we can't do that". Our attitude is "let's step up and make it happen". Recall Robert Kennedy's words "Some people see things and ask why. I see things and ask why not."
What is proposed will require an increase in volunteers. Religious Educators are building the future, not preserving the past. We are investing in our youth. No cost is too high. For example, St. Joseph pays out over $25,000 a year in Catholic School subsidies for children attending Catholic Schools. The families involved contribute a small fraction of that amount in the offertory. We do it because we believe the whole Church benefits from it. I can say for certain that St. Joseph, which does not have a Catholic School, has benefited from Catholic Schools over the past 15 years. Fr. Kevin and myself are both products of Catholic Education. Without that who knows what we might have become and who might have served here in our place.
posted by Father Patrick @ 9:42 AM
6 Comments:
HEAR, HEAR! Thanks, Padre, for the reminder. :)
After everything that has happened this week, I am of the attitude that all things are possible, especially through faith and prayer. All Will Be Well. "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Gives Me Strength." (Isn't that what this is all about anyway?) Christ! He is the way, the truth and the light. Amen! :-)
Thanks Father Pat! You Go Guy! :-)
I am very sadden, not by the results, but by the negative remarks coming from people who should be supporting the parish. The very people that made our parish what it is today, have also made it very unbearable. Change is very necessary, and I don't mean just the programs. I mean changes to the hearts. If the hearts can not be changed, then perhaps it needs to be replaced with a new one.
It is sad that some people find it necessary to bicker, especially when it comes to religion. Yes, change is inevitable. There are always exciting new ideas for the parish as a whole. Sometimes, however, those who are very motivated to change things sometimes forget to handle things tactfully, meaning not belittling those who have served and continue to serve the parish. I think that we need to have patience with one another and be considerate of other people's feelings. Let us always remember that children will model our behavior. Let us make this transition a happy one that our children will remember with good thoughts, and not one in which they tell their children and grandchildren about how the joy of this new experience was spoiled by the "grown-ups" aruging about everything. Think about it.
Although change is the one constant, it is also always difficult. As we face change, all at once in our parish, we need to remember that we are, first and foremost, a people of prayer, a people of the Eucharist. Our meaning can be found in the Mass. When we find ourselves at odds, we need to pray first. When we find ourselves in conflict, we need to spend time in front of a crucifix and in front of the Blessed Sacrament. It is there that we will find the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. And it is then that the change will continue to involve dignity, respect, and, most importantly, charity/love toward our fellow parish family members.
Amen to what Sarah said.
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