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A Message from the Pastor
July 2008
To you, our Good Shepherd family of faith,
The late comedian Bob Hope said of birthdays, “You know you’re
getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” Bob may not be
quite right when it comes to a 2000th birthday! A birthday cake large
enough to hold this many candles celebrating the second millennium of
St. Paul’s birth would probably still be more expensive! And this
doesn’t include the cost of having the fire department stand by while
trying to get all the candles lit at the same time!
During this coming year, we remember as a church family the life and
mission of St. Paul. Whether it was his life-changing conversion
encounter with the Risen Lord, or his preaching of the Good News that
expanded the boundaries of the early believing community, or writing so
many Letters that are proclaimed at liturgies throughout the year, St.
Paul was a great evangelizer and communicator. The life and words of
the Apostle Paul console and challenge us, deepen our relationship with
God and stir us into action as the living Body of Christ today. From
the many verses from St. Paul’s letters proclaimed throughout this year,
we will focus as a parish on the prayer-filled petition: Let the
peace of Christ dwell in our hearts. (Colossians 3:15)
Indeed, this is the prayer of each of us and of our whole world today!
-- St. Paul reminds us that we are each called by name.
So here are the names of the young and the young-at-heart, the long time
parishioner and the newly welcomed. May this resource enable us to call
our sisters and brothers by name.
-- St. Paul’s words offer us a catechesis – the
message of the Risen Christ that informs our choices and actions.
Outlined in the pages of this booklet are the many programs and people
that enable us to choose to fully participate in our Good Shepherd
parish life.
-- St. Paul describes believers as a community – a
body with many parts. In these pages, we find many many opportunities
to share generously our God-given gifts. With the time, talent and
treasure of all, we proclaim Jesus is Lord!
May the petition of St. Paul, born 2000 years ago, be our prayer
here at Good Shepherd throughout this year: Let the peace of
Christ dwell in
our hearts!
Fr. Francis
Pastor |
