From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy
We may not always realize it, but God has very definite plans for each one of us. He has blessed each of us with a unique set of gifts, skills, talents and resources so we can play a special role in building up the kingdom of God here on earth. In order to have a more thorough understanding of God’s plans for us, we are invited to pray:
Lord, what do You want me to do with all the gifts You have given me?
During this time of stewardship renewal in our parish, I am asking all parishioners to take some time in the days and weeks ahead to reflect on this question. When many of us hear the word “stewardship” we often think that it is all about financial considerations….but it is not. Stewardship involves doing what God wants us to do with the gifts He has given us. The challenge is that it is difficult to discern what God wants from us unless we spend some time communicating with Him.
This year I am asking you to prayerfully consider doing three simple things.
Make a commitment to spend more time in communication with God. Consider participating in Mass an extra day during the week, in addition to weekends. Try starting your day with a few minutes of quiet prayer and ending your day with spiritual reading. Visit our Adoration Chapel.
When you pray, I suggest that you don’t spend all the time telling God what problems you want Him to solve in the world. Instead, be still and ask God what He wants you to do.
Then listen carefully. Listen to hear if God is calling you to a more active, conscious participation in our parish – sharing your time, talents and treasure.
In addition, I invite you to come and enjoy the Parish Family Picnic this Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on the Holy Redeemer soccer field. There’s plenty of free food, drinks and entertainment for the kids. Take a few minutes to visit some of our ministries that will have tables set up there. Please consider picking up a ministry booklet to take home and look over. It lists all of our Saint Brigid ministries and there may just be one that interests you or a member of your family. We invite you to commit your time and talent, just one person, one ministry, for one year.
God promises us that He will always give us all that we need. I believe that is true for us as individuals and as a parish. I am confident that God will give our parish what we need through you. I am asking you to do your part in enhancing the spiritual vitality of our Saint Brigid faith community. Please ask God what He is calling you to do to build up our parish.
As always, I thank God for you and all the ways that you give so generously.
Gratefully in Christ,
Fr. Neil Herlihy