Last Sunday’s Ministry Fair was an incredible sight and a joyous event in our parish. I felt immense pride in witnessing the many active ministries in our church that promote evangelization, service, and leadership. I also felt deeply grateful for the generosity of time and talent exhibited by our numerous volunteers. This event ushered in November as a stewardship month in our parish.
The Ministry Fair coincided with our celebration of the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the parish church of the popes and considered the mother church of Catholicism since 318 AD. It was fitting to hold this Ministry Fair on a feast day that encourages us to be faithful, active, and engaged members of the Church—a topic that Deacon Michael Morgan addressed effectively in his homily.
I believe we should be relentless in inviting others, especially our youth and young families, to engage actively in our church. This includes participating in our liturgies, receiving the Sacraments, and getting involved in various ministries. In an age characterized by competing values and priorities in the “marketplace” as Deacon Morgan put it, we must be passionate and eager in inviting and encouraging people to come to church and actively participate in its life and ministries.
The first step and fundamental way to invite people to engage in their faith is by sharing what the Church calls the “Kerygma”—the powerful proclamation of God’s love through Jesus Christ. This message must be shared personally and without hesitation. We should not be afraid or timid in joyfully sharing God’s love through the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
I witnessed this work of evangelization during the Confirmation meeting of our youth and their parents. Jeb Favis, our youth minister, was passionate, well-prepared, and effective in proclaiming God’s love through the Person of Jesus Christ. He urged both youth and parents to cultivate a personal relationship with God through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We all have the potential to improve our ability to proclaim our personal faith in Jesus Christ. We must do this joyfully and authentically. Parents should foster a conversational, curious, authentic, and non-judgmental faith with their children, allowing space for vulnerability.
We must take the work of evangelization seriously, as it is a significant part of being good stewards of our faith. Stewardship is not only about sharing and managing our financial resources; primarily, it is about nurturing our faith within our homes, parishes, and broader society. The ministries we undertake as clergy and laity must be rooted in God’s love for us and our faith in Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for our salvation.
Our Second Reading this Sunday from the Letter of St. Paul (2 Thessalonians 3:7-12) expresses this love and dedication for ministry in the Church:
“Brothers and sisters, you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us.”
May we all respond to this ardent call of St. Paul. Amen.
Your loving pastor,
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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