According to Qoheleth in the Book of Ecclesiastes, “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens” (Eccl 3:1). And so, it seems the time has come for me to reduce the frequency of my column in The Catholic Virginian. Having had the privilege of writing it for more than 24 years, as of this month, “In Light of Faith,” which began as “Living Jubilee” (it was intended to run for only one year), will be appearing only in the first issue of each month.
Next year, I’ll turn 80 years old, and I had intended to retire the column altogether, so this may be a way of either easing into retirement or extending the column a bit longer, but less frequently. Only God knows. However, with a full schedule in terms of retreat work, parish commitments, a spiritual direction practice, and writing another book for ICS Publications, I take comfort in the words of Qoheleth.
Writing was never an aspiration of mine, but when we place ourselves in God’s hands, we never know where he will take us, which is probably a good thing. In the process I’ve learned much along the way. To be an effective writer, continued reading and study are essential, but learning comes not only from books, but from the countless people I’ve encountered.
I owe a debt of gratitude to the many readers who have written to thank me or share their stories, or whom I’ve met while speaking at parishes and retreat centers. I’ve been touched by emails written from sickbeds, prison cells, and on behalf of prayer groups.
It’s been a privilege and a joy for which I’m grateful, especially to the people who would not take “no” for an answer when I protested, saying, “I’m not a writer.” It’s just one example of how God uses others to take us places we might never venture on our own. Often, people recognize gifts in us that we are unaware we possess and so we need to be open to the many voices God uses to speak to us.
As we begin another calendar year of events in parishes across the diocese, it’s a good time to examine the contribution we make to our parish, in terms of time, treasure, and talent.
Perhaps, one way to begin is by asking: Do I attend Mass on the weekend to fulfill an obligation and then leave before anyone can ask me to serve? How do I respond to pleas for help in the bulletin or from the pulpit? What are some of the skills I’ve learned along the way that might enhance my parish? Have I been willing to share the gifts God gave me with the greater community?
The beauty of a faith community is that we are companions on the journey, for as the saying goes, “No one goes to heaven alone.”
Faith formation teachers aren’t born; they’re trained. All that’s needed is a willing heart and a love for God and children. Consider helping a classroom teacher as an assistant, and if it’s a good fit and you qualify, you might become a teacher the following year.
If teaching children is not your forte, perhaps being a sponsor for someone who is coming into the Church is more in keeping with your gifts. Or how about joining a prayer group, a Scripture study, the men’s club, or women’s group? If you’ve been blessed with a good voice, you may consider joining a choir or proclaiming the Word of God.
Serving as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion is a profound way to assist at Mass, or you may feel called to bring Jesus to the sick or homebound. Being a greeter and extending a welcoming smile to parishioners as they enter the worship space is another way to serve. There are also hidden ministries, such as laundering altar linens, cleaning the church and polishing candlesticks.
Parishes differ, but the needs run the gamut from helping in the food pantry, Meals on Wheels, serving the homeless during winter shelter week, and helping at the parish picnic, to name a few.
Nothing creates community like working for a common cause. In his book “A Different Drum,” M. Scott Peck wrote, “Community isn’t built. It happens when people roll up their sleeves and work side by side.” For those who are on the fence about whether to commit to a faith community, getting involved is a good way to help you decide.
We are many parts, but are all one body, and there’s no better way to make the Mystical Body of Christ visible than to become an active member of the Church Jesus established while on earth.
Barbara Hughes is an award-winning author, retreat facilitator and spiritual guide. She lives in Virginia Beach and can be reached at [email protected].