Ask deacon mike

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it is really 2009? This past year was one for the books. However, saying that does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. Not withstanding all of the economic struggles we face and the tensions that continue to pulsate around the world, 2008 was still a pretty good year. I say that because the passing of 2008 hopefully finds us closer to the Lord than we were a year ago. That is why God gives us life. That is why we measure life by time. As I talk to various people in the parish, young and old, I get a sense that we are growing – not just in numbers but growing into a community with a sense of purpose.

As children of God we know our purpose is to bring honor and glory to God by our words and actions. We do this by encouraging each other and helping each other when needs arise. Over the past several years the number of organizations which our parish supports has grown. Mass attendance seems to be up. There are more and more people coming to daily Mass and the various Eucharist-focused services such as 1^st Friday all day adoration and Benediction. We have a youth group and we have developed several adult education programs. The list keeps growing. I get a sense that our parish is “hungry” for the opportunity to grow in our faith.

The various service organizations in the parish minister to more and more people. We have a program for people to visit shut-ins, programs for people to bring the Blessed Sacrament to those unable to come to church, programs to help mothers who have recently given birth along with other standard groups such as the Knights of Columbus and the scout troops which we sponsor. Soon we will be starting a program for adults who would like to be altar servers for funerals and other Masses where we do not have the presence of our regular youth altar servers.

I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to both belong to and minister to a parish with such diversity yet united in a common purpose. In the second half of last year our parish council approved a new mission statement for our parish. I think it really defines who we are and why we exist. It reads: We are the Catholic Parish Community of St. Philip Neri, answering Christ’s call to discipleship through word, sacrament and service. We proclaim God’s hope and love to all.

The Spirit of God is stirring this community. Even in tough economic times our people still have a generous and giving spirit. While we face many challenges we know that by using our faith these challenges become opportunities. May we begin 2009 firmly resolved to meet these challenges head-on and to use the talents and gifts God has given us to bring about God’s Kingdom.

If you have any questions about the Church or issues concerning morals, faith or sacraments please drop me a line. You can leave a note for me in the collection basket, send your question to the rectory to my attention or simply send me an e-mail at deaconmikefranks@comcast.net. I will keep your identity completely anonymous. Next month I will address some questions I recently received about living wills and the Catholic Church’s position on them. If you have any questions along the same vein please get them to me so I can address them all together.

Again, I wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful new year. And always remember that I love you all. Deacon Mike Franks