O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Today we mark the beginning of a new program year in the church. After a summer respite we enter the fall refreshed and ready to begin again the task of directing our hearts and minds toward the Holy Spirit. Much like the beginning of a new school year we anticipate new learning and the beginning of new life: transformational change.
But like learning new subjects, such change does not just happen. It comes through dedication, study, and exercise. In school we do not achieve high marks by willing their being. We increase our marks through diligent work on the subjects at hand; by setting ourselves at the tasks which lead us to growth and achievement. Some of those tasks prove easily achievable. Some of them prove to be difficult. And some are beyond our reach.
But, no one shrinks before work that is difficult and no one avoids the impossible if inspired and lead by the Holy Spirit. So as we begin the new program year we have an opportunity to choose how we will serve the church and our Lord in ministry and outreach. In the Parish Hall today, parish leadership has displayed many of our parish ministries for your consideration.
Examine, discuss, question, and compare the many ways our parish has to serve and be guided by the Spirit. Let this year be the one in which it was said, everyone was engaged and no one was left behind. Let it be that everyone was involved in a ministry and all pursued the goal of discipleship through prayer, study, service, outreach, stewardship, and community.
Peace,
Father Mark+
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