Dear Parishioners:

It seems like a never-ending process. Last Sunday evening, after I finished some of my pastoral duties, I decided to attack the junk sitting in my home office. Several months ago, I had brought home boxes of books and papers from the chancery after I had finished my term as Diocesan Vocation Director. Until now, I have not had much of an opportunity to unpack them, let alone find a place to put them. I cleared out some other items and some mail that had accumulated as well. By the end of the evening, I had made significant progress, but nevertheless still felt as if I had made very little.

While rummaging through this “stuff” and throwing away that which was unnecessary, I kept asking myself, “Why on earth do I save these things”? I do have a tendency to hold on to a lot of things because I eventually reuse them later in my ministry. Being frugal is something that has been ingrained within me. Yet, a good portion of the time, my stuff just collects dust.

I’ve resolved to eliminate as much as possible and simplify my life. Hoarding things rarely has any benefits and it just simply impedes effectiveness. Not only does it foster stagnancy, but it also can impair our capacity to be at peace. It takes a lot of hard work to “let go” of things we are attached to. Yet when we do, there is great freedom.

This might be a good analogy for other aspects of our lives. God has blessed us with so much that he gives us to use for His good purpose. If we hold on to these gifts, we can become stagnant spiritually or lack the trust to grow personally. But if we “let go” and share of ourselves, it expands our heart, creates greater trust, and brings spiritual and personal fulfillment. That is what lies behind the concept of stewardship.

When we give of ourselves, the return is enormous. I have found this to be true repeatedly. Over and over again, I discover that when I make a sacrifice, whether it is monetarily or with my time, I am never in want. Peace and fulfillment are the ensuing rewards. There is no doubt in my mind that God will never be outdone in generosity.

This weekend, we will be beginning to look at how we, as a parish, can be better stewards of God’s gifts. We ask for your prayers as we strive to place our trust more fully upon God’s providence. May God bless our hearts filled with love!

Fr. Paul