Monday Message, September 26, 2022

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KNOW

Thank you so much for all those who participated with such excitement in our Catechetical Summit on September 20. While we do have the transcript of the day, the bishop would like to film his presentation. That will be made available to anyone who missed it in the coming weeks. As a reminder, if you have not scheduled your parish visits, please contact Carmela. In addition, please continue to join us for the parish leader check-in‘s. These are essential to keeping abreast of all the new initiatives the bishop discussed.

Did you know that the diocese is hosting three pilgrimages to World Youth Day next summer? Find out more information at this link.

We have another Clergy Check In this Wednesday. Lots to talk about. Register here please.

We will be joined at our next Parish Leader Check In by Helen Burland of the St. Catherine Center for Special Needs. Many of you have questions. She has answers. The link is here.

The Institute Team wants to teach you about LEAD. Join us for one of three sessions on October 12, 13, or 14. Complete details here.

Please spread the word about the Adult Confirmation Workshop in October. See this page for more information.

REFLECT

Fall is officially here, which means, for the Donovan family at least, a chance to clean out the garage. Having inherited the contents of Aunt Barbara‘s house and condo, and then a few dozen items from the elderly neighbors across the street when they moved, the garage is barely passable. We spent Saturday going through some things, but I find it difficult to give things away or sell them when their owner is still alive and kicking to miles down the road. The neighbors things are easier. Fill the van and head to Goodwill.

I suppose there is a fall projects like that at your house too. What should stay, what should go? Can I sell this? Should I donate that? Would it be easier if someone simply backed the truck up to the house and took everything? 

Cleaning out always makes me excited about the clean space I’ve discovered or created. There’s a beauty in the emptiness. 

I think that’s true for our ministry as well. The fall brings new ideas, new initiatives, a chance to reconnect with those who wandered away over the summer. Last week, the bishop challenged us to clean out the old ideas and bring in the new. It is scary to leave behind that which we know. But doing so can open the door to new possibilities and even to chance for renewed effectiveness. 

This week, take a look around your office. What has gone untouched since the last spring? Better yet, what has a lay dormant since you left your office in March 2020? Perhaps it’s time to purge the old and begin anew. 

LAUGH