St. Mary Church

The Amen Corner - Jan. 29

In the readings for the next few weeks, we will encounter stories of Jesus literally touching people so they can be healed.  For Jesus to approach a sick person was seen as making himself unclean.  However, Jesus is not afraid.

Many times in my priesthood, I hear elderly people say the only time someone touches them is when they come to church.  Imagine living life without human contact.  To shake someone’s hand in welcome, to hold someone’s hand in prayer and to extend one’s hand in peace, are bold statements.

Is it risky?  Of course!  Mother Teresa, who many admire, was never afraid to touch the sick and suffering.  Her holiness was not just in her prayer, but in her presence to those around her.

Our whole sacrament system has touch – we anoint, lay hands on others, serve the Body & Blood of Jesus, bless, and place rings on fingers.  Sometimes the best conversations are where there are no words, but only the holding of a hand.

I remember one time in the hospital when I was seriously sick.  People came into my room, stood by my bed, actually told me how good I look (really!!!), and prayed over me. But it was not until a nurse, Rose, who came and sat next to my bed, held my hand, and said, “I know this is rough for you to be bedridden and in pain. I don’t have any words for you, but I’ll just sit for awhile.”

It was then that the tears and relief came forward.  Someone recognized my pain and was not afraid to touch my hand.  That was one of the most sacred moments in my life.  I think of it always when I hear of Jesus reaching out to others.

Jesus was not afraid to touch the dirty feet of his apostles or to ask Thomas to touch his wounds.  Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.”  Jesus allowed the woman to come and anoint his feet even when she was judged harshly by others within the room.  Think of Mary holding her son after he is removed from the cross.

Is it risky?  Of course!  We don’t live in a sterilized world.  We live in a world where there is sickness, pollution, sadness and fear.  But we also live in a world where there is grace, love, and healing.  Words are not enough.

An embrace, a pat on the back, a handshake, a high-five, or a kiss on the cheek, can make a person who is burdened feel uplifted.  It is a sacred thing.  God gave us a sense of touch to know we are not alone in this world.

Reach out and touch!  It’s what Jesus does!!!!!

And the people say…   Fr. Mike

The Amen Corner - Feb 12

There are five months left in my term here as pastor.  I still have heard no definite word, but I am moving ahead in preparing for the time of transition.  There are still lots of things to do.  Each day I value what I do and each person I meet.

There is also the sense of uncertainty.  I do not know where I will be going and what kind of assignment I will be given.  There will be new challenges and new responsibilities.  It takes a lot of energy, time and patience to create a parish that is alive and vibrant.  There is always the fact of having to face resistance to change.

We, as an archdiocese along with the rest of the nation, are in the midst of the priest shortage.  We have five pastors retiring this year and one man being ordained. The median age of our priests is about 63.  More parishes will be merged, some will lose a full-time pastor and others will be closed.

Deacons can fill some of the needs, but they cannot preside at Eucharist, absolve sins, or anoint the sick.  The role of the laity will continue to be central to the work of the church.  I do believe we face challenging times.  There will be no quick fix.

I think the institutional church is being unrealistic in not addressing the needs and concerns of the people.  Eucharist is central to our Catholic life.  Good worship, with full and active participation of the people, is the heart beat of the parish.  The question of a married clergy and women’s ordination will not go away.

We may not be able to change the institution.  However, I think this is the time for us to be bold.  The beauty of this parish is that we experience a multi-generational presence in our community.  We strive to be inclusive of all.  We challenge people to see beyond today into the future and to see beyond themselves to those who need us.

As Lent approaches, I would like this parish to go into it with a spirit of prayer and fasting.  It means looking deep within our very selves to understand what is most important in our life of faith.  It means to look at our parish community and how it responds to the gospel of Jesus.

None of us knows what the future will bring.  We don’t like to face uncertainty and change.  But each day brings new challenges and new blessings.

In the months I am with you, I want us to live together full of trust in God and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

And the people say…   Fr. Mike

The Amen Corner - Feb 5

Two words can make a difference.  They are:  thank you!  They are an affirmation of someone’s effort in our lives.  Someone prepares a meal, provides a service, or goes out of his/her way to make our lives more meaningful.  It might be small or great.

Yet these two words are rarely spoken.  Unfortunately, they are even rarer in church settings.  God is the giver of all life and goodness.  Yet, people find little time to acknowledge God in prayer, worship and praise.  We call on God in times of need, but rarely do we come to say thanks.  Imagine if people came to church each weekend because they recognized how God has gifted us through the week.  Our churches would be packed.  God continues to do marvelous and awesome things.

I enjoy standing in the lobby of our church to thank people for coming to worship with us.  I am struck that some churchgoers are like a herd of cattle moving in mass (pun intended) in and out of the building without saying a word.  No eye contact, no kind word and no human recognition.

The great host/hostess is the one who thanks every person for coming to their home. When it is time to depart, they thank each guest for gracing their home.  The great guest is the one who thanks their host/hostess, not only for the food, but for the hospitality.

Imagine you prepared a great meal and your guests never acknowledged you or the other guests.  Imagine they sat expressionless, showing no enthusiasm and leave in a rush without a single word of gratitude.

Parishes become dull and boring, when there is no love, graciousness or giving.  Mass can just be another thing to do and not an act of worship. Worship is about participating in the life of God and the community.  If we cannot say thanks in church we are probably not saying it enough in our homes, offices and schools.

I am an advocate of expressing thanks.  It’s easy, life-changing and brings healing.  Sometime  consider stopping and acknowledging a person who reads well, a musician who has stirred you in song, a server who has done his/her ministry well or even a priest who has worked long and hard on a homily or in being a good presider.

Church is not a retail store or a manufacturing plant.  It is a home where God invites people to hear good news and share in a common meal.  We are guests at a banquet.

Thanks for being a people willing to show externally God’s love in our world!

And the people say…   Fr. Mike