Mission Matters: Feb. 9, 2016

This week’s “Parish Table Talk”:  Deep Gratitude; World Day of the Sick and Transitions (Carlos Castaneda) plus this Thursday’s Blog post.

Watch for this Thursday’s Post:

Compassionate Outreach by Deacon Bill Fleming, Director of Special Needs Ministry.

Parish Table Talk

People will take a million memories away from the Mid-Atlantic Congress 2016. Some will recall words of wisdom from a keynote delivered on the main stage, others a quiet conversation with a friend that spoke to their hearts. Some will remember something practical from a workshop, while others an insight they received as they meditated on the CRS walk. Others sought insights into specific situations from publishers at the Exhibit Hall, or walked away with a book or two.

There are those that will remember images…images of shimmering ribbons knotted on stage, or a picture from a works of mercy reflection card. Who will soon forget the beautiful women of Cameroon presenting God’s Word to the deacon? Some will recall the long lines for the Sacrament of Penance or people filling the halls for Eucharist.

All of these memories will help to make MAC 2016 alive in our hearts. But of all the memories the Department of Evangelization takes home, among the strongest will be those of our volunteers. These were the folks that donned vests and sashes, who sang in choirs, set up gazebos, or read at our liturgies. We will long remember those who registered people or greeted people or directed people. Because that is what the MAC is all about…people. People come to the MAC happy or hurting, with lots of faith or searching for it, on fire or in need of having their sparks fanned into flames. And our volunteers reached out to all of them.

And so, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank each of you. May the Lord continue to bless you and the Church of Baltimore through you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

• World Day of the Sick is February 11th.  The Pope tells us that prayers and care for the sick is common ground for believers of all faith.  The Pope delivered this message for the World Day as it coincides with the Commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes.  How does your parish promote this important work of mercy?

Transitions

Carlos Castaneda, our Coordinator of Hispanic Pastoral Formation in the Division of Catechetical and Pastoral Formation, has just started a new position in the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio. We wish him all the best and thank him for his ministry while he served with us in the the Department of Evangelization.

Questions? Feedback? Please leave a comment below.