Dear Parishioners,
As we gather on this joyous Pentecost Sunday, I am pleased to share with you an exciting development in our parish community. Today, we have the privilege of introducing a Spiritual Expectations covenant crafted by dedicated volunteers who served on the "One Big Thing" committee. Our Gallup Survey results showed that we have not clarified expectations for our parishioners and as a result, this was the “one big thing” that we commissioned to lay the foundation for getting us from maintenance to mission.
This covenant, which has been carefully curated with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, outlines our collective vision for spiritual growth and discipleship within our parish. It serves as a roadmap to guide us as we strive to live out our calling as disciples of Christ.
Pentecost Sunday, a day when the Holy Spirit flows abundantly, is the perfect occasion to unveil this covenant. As we celebrate the Gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon us, let us reflect on how these gifts empower and transform us. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—work together harmoniously, forming a symphony of divine grace within us.
In response to the feedback we received from the Gallup poll last fall, we recognize the importance of clarifying what the Church expects of us as parishioners and what we expect of the Church. Our parish's vision is to be a beacon of light that draws people home and to achieve this, we must embody the love of Christ in all that we do. For God is love, and we are called to love one another.
To help us fulfill this mission, we have identified four pillars that encapsulate the expectations we have for both our Church and our parishioners: worship, grow, connect, and serve. These pillars serve as the foundation upon which our spiritual journey is built, guiding us as we strive to deepen our relationship with God and one another.
I invite you to prayerfully reflect on the Spiritual Expectations outlined in the covenant. You may access it by clicking here or by picking up a paper copy at Mass. Let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit on this Pentecost Sunday, allowing ourselves to receive the gifts that God so graciously bestows upon us.
May the fire of the Holy Spirit ignite within us a renewed passion for discipleship and service, as we continue to be beacons of Christ's light in our community and beyond.
Grace and Peace,
Fr. Dean
Pastor