Monday Message, April 29, 2024
KNOW
We have our Parish Leader Check In on Tuesday. Find the link here. On the agenda, a possible partnership with Catholic University of America and a new project with resources for children and worship.
On Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 1:00pm, the first formation opportunity to accompany our pastoral instruction Wonderfully Made in God’s Image and Likeness will take place for pastoral leaders. The first presentation is entitled “Listening with a Pastoral Heart” and will center on beginning the relationship of trust that will lead to accompaniment in moments of pastoral counseling. Register here for all webinars at once.
We are in need of a carpenter to help Bishop Caggiano with a project (constructing a cross). If you know of one – retired or still working – send me his/her email address please.
We are in need of some volunteers who don’t mind standing in front of a camera for 30 seconds reading a phrase. We will gather from 11 am to 1 pm (stop in anytime) at the Institute office on May 1, 2024. Lunch will be served. Email Carmela if you can help.
If you have not yet begun to look at the learning path, Understanding the Directory, please make sure you join the group in LEAD. Once you join, you will see the learning path on your dashboard, be joined to the group, and have access to the first section. Part Two debuts in the next week, so please do not fall behind.
Mark these dates on your calendar for the fall. Other dates coming soon.
The National Community of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL) is dedicated to promoting the ministries of evangelization and catechesis in the U.S. Catholic Church by fostering a community of leaders who proclaim and teach the Word of Jesus Christ through the witness of accompaniment, education, and formation in the Catholic faith. Learn more here.
REFLECT
I spent the better part of Saturday working in the yard. The house looks great. New siding. New patio. New plants.
The yard is another story. I hate mowing dirt and I really hate when child #3 mows the yard because he never moves a stick, rocks, or anything that has blown into the yard. He just sits atop the mower, headphones on, riding around running over everything, blowing dust everywhere. Really must invest in better grass.
When we were finished mowing – him riding and me pushing, I started pruning. First the roses, then the bush that brushes the car when I pull into the garage. Then the Japanese Maple in the front yard. Prune. Prune. Prune. No sense of whether its the right time or season, just time to get rid of the dead branches.
Then I heard the Gospel Sunday at Mass and realized I probably need some pruning too. Cut away the anger or impatience. Prune that which I should forgive and forget. Take away the habits I should break. So much work to do.
This week, maybe we can all commit to prune away that which no longer belongs: the hatred or anger or frustration or intolerance. Let the fruit of compassion and patience and understanding grow in its place.
Pruning hurts. But new life is full of wonderful opportunities.
LAUGH
