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August 16, 2014My Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
As the summer is coming to a close, we must now redirect our minds and hearts to our parish community of faith and what it means to us. These words from Pope Francis struck me in a powerful way. As I read thru them my thought was: "He is speaking to all of us." Read them slowly and prayerfully: "Instead of being just a church that welcomes and receives by keeping the doors open, let us try also to be a church that finds new roads, that is able to step outside itself and go to those who do not attend Mass, to those who have quit or are indifferent." What does this mean for us? It means that we look around us and see who we know as Catholics who are no longer practicing their faith. Approach them. But where do we start. I have a suggestion. I read a few weeks ago that statistics tell us that within seven (7) years 85 % of those being Confirmed in the faith NO LONGER attend Mass. That is an alarming figure...85% !! Many of you have been sponsors for someone for the Sacrament of Confirmation. As their sponsor have you kept up with them and supported them and encouraged them in their faith? Are they among the 85 % ? Do you know? Go to them and stay in touch with the young person who you promised to help and support in their faith. Our young people today have so many temptations and influences tempting them to 'abandon' their faith. A good responsible sponsor can do a lot to keep them active and leaning and practicing their faith. As Pope Francis said: "go to those who do not attend Mass, to those who have quit or are indifferent." The Pope's words are clear and simple. Will they make a difference?
Blessings for a prayerful and good week.
Msgr. Adam
