The Making of the New Testament Starting Monday, February 7th at 6:30pm with Deacon Bob Larcher
This is a six-session course on Monday evenings that examines the “who, what, when, and how” twenty-seven sacred writings came to be compiled into a “new testament.” If you’d like to attend this free course, please let Delia know so that we can have enough materials for everyone.
Also, this Monday through Thursday, I’ll be hosting the National Fraternity of the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests. Priests from (arch)Dioceses of Los Angeles, Erie, Yakama, Cleveland, and Springfield-Cape Girardeau will be meeting and praying and enjoying the beauty of Tybee and the hospitality of our Faith Community. I am grateful to Gayle Valbuena and the women of our CCW for helping out with the details of hospitality.
At our Listening in early December over and over again I heard a desire voiced for a deeper relationship with Christ. I’ve seen that desire for a more focused spiritual life in many of you.
So, I am excited that we are preparing for a very special Parish Mission, March 20-22. Casting Nets is a team of lay Catholic evangelists, Chris Steward and Tony Brandt, who conduct dynamic and highly effective parish missions. They will be here on Friday evening and all-day Saturday to help us prepare with a mini-retreat experience. All are welcome. Let me know.
You should have received a letter and pledge card from Bishop Parkes last month. Please prayerfully consider your gift this year. We want to show our support of the diocesan family by continuing to exceed our goal as we have in past years. I am so grateful to those of you who have already sent in your contribution. To keep me from constantly nagging everyone, I hope we can reach our goal as quickly as we did last year.
February 6, 2022 | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time | by The Faithful Disciple Is 6:1-2a, 3-8 |1 Cor 15:1-11 | or 1 Cor 15:3-8, 11 | Lk 5:1-11 GROW: We put off all kinds of things for all kinds of reasons. I’ll take that trip with my family once my schedule clears up. Someday I’ll read that book collecting dust on my shelf. I’ll volunteer at church once I get my own act together. Today’s readings remind us that God will take us as we are: We need only say “yes.” In each of the readings, the protagonists – Isaiah, Paul, and Peter – initially resist God’s call, fearing their sinfulness disqualifies them. We may feel that way, too. However, in each case, God forgives their sins and gives them the grace to say, like Isaiah, “Here I am. Send me!” Their assent can be a challenge to those of us who hold back from becoming more involved in our parish or sharing our faith with others, fearing we aren’t good enough or aren’t an expert in theology. Jesus reminds us that it is ultimately not about us, but him. We don’t have to be perfect, just willing to push past our fears and trust him to make disciples of us. GO: In today’s readings, we hear descriptions of Isaiah’s lips touched by a burning ember, Paul being transformed from persecutor to preacher, and the fishermen dropping their nets to follow Jesus. In each case, that turning point led to a life of witness. We may not have such a dramatic story to share, but most of us can look back and see turning points: That influential teacher, the aunt who saw the best in us, a priest, sister, or retreat leader who spoke to our hearts. Today’s readings can encourage us to be that person for others – the one who shows them the love of Christ and what a difference it can make. Buoyed by God’s grace, we can share the Good News with others and accompany one another as we seek to follow Jesus in our day-to-day lives. ACT: Carve out time to do something spiritual you’ve been putting off – whether it’s a retreat, morning prayer, or perhaps volunteering in a parish ministry or other organization.