Vicariate Gathering with Sr Joyce Miller
Early last autumn, a small group of us from St Pat's spent the day in Gaylord at a symposium for Adult Faith Formation. The basis for this gathering was the U.S. Bishop's Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation, entitled Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us. In October, I spent an additional three weeks studying the document with others from across the United States. After that , our own Pastoral Council has been studying this document. In January I was in the assembly when Dr Thomas Groome (Boston University) proclaimed this Gospel at the Center for Ministry Development Conference. These have been tremendous opportunities to theologically reflect upon the treasures within this document and so it is with the Gospel we heard Sunday, April 7th. My observations lead me to tell you that there are hearts that are burning here at St Patrick's!
We walk with each other on a journey of faith each Sunday when we gather and each time we meet throughout the week. Just as He had promised, Jesus walks along with us even when we don't recognize Him. When the travelers tired and needed to stop for the evening, Jesus waited to be invited in. He extends this same courtesy to each of us. We have to invite Him into our hearts, our homes, our lives. Jesus then dined with those whom had gathered at the table. Think of all the reasons we gather around a table- think of all the memories that happen at family holiday gatherings; think of the last story you shared with someone over a meal. Do we recognize Christ in those with whom we dine? Are we refreshed by each other's presence? Are we eager to hurry along our way to tell of how much our faith means to us? Do we stay connected to our spiritual community? Do we seek a clearer understanding of the traditions we celebrate? We do remain travelers on this road for our entire lives.
Our Bishop has given special attention to Adult Faith Formation this year. Our Vicariate has established the first Adult Faith Formation Committee. We have offered several opportunities here in the parish. Most recently we had an evening to reflect and discuss why we renew our Baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil and throughout the Easter Season. The Holy Spirit dwells within each baptized person and we share in Christ's mission. We must first recognize what a gift we have to share. This is Good News.
I invite you to look at what we are offering for Adult Faith Formation and Intergenerational Gathering and to let us know of other subjects that are of interest to you. we are called to journey into a deeper, clearer, and richer appreciation of our Faith. With each other and most significantly, Christ traveling along with us- how could our hearts not be burning within us?
In His Service,
Beth Vanover
Pastoral Associate/ Director of Faith Formation