Mission Matters: Jan. 3, 2017

This week’s “Parish Table Talk”: March for Life; Life is Beautiful; Churches as sanctuaries; ASL Masses; Planning for fruitful meetings; plus this Thursday’s blog post.

Accompany: Where Are We Going and Who Is Driving? by Edward Herrera, Director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life.

•  March for Life: Is your parish sending a bus to the March for Life?  If so, let us know and we’ll add you to the list online.  That way parishes with overflow or empty seats can coordinate so we fill all the buses. There may also be a bus heading down from Baltimore City.  If you have staff or parishioners interested, please email life@archbalt.org.

•  Life is Beautiful – Baltimore Celebrates Life Across Generations: Please join us on January 22 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary for Mass with Archbishop Lori,  concert by Tony Melendez, Blessing of Pilgrims heading to the March for Life, lunch, and a reflection by the Little Sisters of the Poor.  All are welcome for this celebration of life! 

•  Churches as sanctuaries: Safety and shelter are important concepts in the journey of making missionary disciples. They are intertwined with the six mission priorities outlined in the Be Missionary Disciples Planning process and are at the core of ministry. This reflection by Ron Rolheiser, O.M.I, emphasizes his view of being “a church for searchers” and the importance of remaining open to all while remaining a harbor for a congregation of already faithful, ecclesial citizens.

•  ASL Masses: Fr. Mike Depcik (deaf priest) will continue to celebrate masses in Maryland this month.  All are welcome to join us! Voice interpreters provided.

Saturday, January 14 –  4 P.M.  

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart (10001 West Joppa Road.Baltimore, MD 21204 – enter on Chestnut Ave.). Social to follow.

Sunday, January 15 – 10 A.M. 

St. Ignatius Country Church (Urbana Church Rd, Frederick, MD 21704). Social to follow at St. Ignatius Church in Ijamsville.

•  Considerations before planning a meeting: Are meetings really worth the sacrifice? Make the most out of the time you spend with your team by following  these suggestions before and during your next get-together.