My Friends,
This coming week we celebrate a relatively recent addition to the Roman Missal. The Optional Memorial of Ss. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. These three siblings were loved deeply by Christ and played a particular role in offering Jesus and his companions’ hospitality. The scripture references give us a glimpse into the extended family circle of Jesus. We see that Jesus brings a new type of calmness to sibling rivalry, new empathy of trust through experiences of sorrow, and a new call to life’s priorities. How blessed are we to not only reflect on Jesus’ teachings and miracles but also to experience Jesus at rest, visiting loved ones, supporting the sorrowing, and bring life, in unexpected ways to the unexpected. Our everyday interactions with our family, friends, and strangers probably could use some reflections.
A week ago, I met with the finance council. I began to get an appreciation of the financial portfolio of the parish. To say that I’m excited, is an understatement. Words cannot express the immense generosity that our financial numbers reflect. Because of your past commitment and the generosity of our visitors to our parish and school, we are not fighting the waves of uncertainty but ripples of stability. While realizing the potential strong winds that could rock our stability, as your new pastor, this was great news. Special thanks to our Finance Council and Business Manager for their efforts to help me understand the history of this parish’s generosity. As we continue to journey together, I am committed to using effectively and responsibly all expressions of financial support. Each of us, in our own way, have a responsibility to discern our financial support for the mission of our parish community. Thank you for being part of the support of this mission.
Finally, let us keep in mind that our faithful school administrators, teachers, volunteers, and students have been resting over these months during their well-deserved summer break. With August right around the corner the energy is turning to the new school year. Please join me in saying a special Hail Mary, for this time of preparation.
Peace,
Fr. Workman
