2022/03/27 Renew My Church REFLECTION

-Katherine Sexton, Chair of Pastoral Council

We Welcome You

We hear a parable in Luke’s gospel this Sunday about a father who has divided his property between his two sons. One son remains at home with his father, is obedient and works hard for him— the other takes what he is given, leaves home and squanders it away. When the wandering son returns home looking for forgiveness his father is overjoyed and prepares an extravagant feast to rejoice. His brother, who is angry because he has toiled in the fields, and was never served an elaborate meal, questions his father’s actions. The father joyously explains that his son was lost and is now found — he is being welcomed home!

There is a parallel between the gospel and the work we are doing with Renew My Church. Renewal at Saint Clement is about a revitalization, a rejuvenation and a welcoming of each and every person to their spiritual home, Saint Clement. The act of welcoming is a sharing of yourself with others; it reflects one’s desire to show they care, a genuine feeling from the heart. Regardless if you are new to the parish, have spent some time away or are a long-time parishioner, we welcome everyone and meet them where they are in their faith journey. Meeting people where they are can look very different from one person to the other. It can be exploring the Alpha course where you are able to ask the questions that you have always grappled with; it might be to join a women’s or men’s spiritual group, participate in the Love Your Neighbor ministry, or perhaps become involved in the liturgy. As a “seasoned” greeter at 5:00 mass I can tell you, it brings me great joy to see familiar faces and meet new people but it is also incredibly fulfilling to see that the simple kindness of a smile can make a world of difference and help someone to feel welcome.

I venture to say that most everyone would agree that when you are engaged and use the talents you have been given you are rewarded tenfold. Now that Covid restrictions have been lifted it’s a time to gather and share the strengths of all of us in the parish. I always hear what a wonderful community Saint Clement is, and I couldn’t agree more, but we want to make sure everyone feels like they belong, are welcomed, and are part of this thriving parish family. It means that as a family we come together to make the community richer in faith and create a stronger connection to one another. This is renewal — this is what Renew My Church is — and it is for everyone! This is my invitation to you to join us in revitalizing our parish family through our many offerings and feel the energy as we grow together.