“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory and repay everyone according to his conduct” (Mt 16:24-27).
- Mary Help of Christians Parish, in Cleveland County, North Carolina, is called to live out these words of Christ. Every baptized Christian has a vocation to become holy, so he can experience eternal life with God in heaven one day. Parish life should encourage everyone to work toward this goal in faith and love. All parishioners should celebrate the Sacraments of Confession and the Holy Eucharist on Sunday. People who no longer come to church should not be forgotten. They should be invited to return to the parish. Everyone should be encouraged to participate in the various apostolates and ministries that are a part of parish life—especially spiritual activities like daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, novenas, retreats and to practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
- The first words of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of St. Mark are: “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1:15). The disturbing trends of the present culture are leading to a growing religious indifference and secularism particularly among the “millennial” generation. Many young people who have been confirmed no longer attend Mass on Sundays. The parish must provide opportunities for youth and young adults to grow in their knowledge and love of Christ. The parish also needs to actively reach out to those young people who no longer come to church.
- Pope Saint John Paul II also spoke repeatedly about the increasing number of violations to the dignity of each human person in today’s culture–abortion, euthanasia, human trafficking and slavery, pornography, teen suicide, materialism and rampant consumerism. Parishioners should be informed about these threats to each person’s dignity and be encouraged to witness to the beauty of all human life. The parish needs to offer opportunities to for people to learn more about these issues because there so much misinformation in the media today.
- The 20th century was the most violent time in the history of mankind. This trend is continuing. Parishioners need to respond to this increased violence with acts of love. They should be encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to serve others in the parish and the community. In the words of St. Mother Theresa, “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”
- Prior to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, he prayed for the future Church and promised to send the gift of the Holy Spirit: “When He comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth” (John 17:13). Each parishioner is called to share the Gospel through what Pope Saint John Paul II called the “New Evangelization.” Evangelization includes those who have not heard the Gospel and those Catholics who need to hear it in a new way. This task will not be accomplished by any one particular “group” in the parish. Parish unity means unity in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. It does not mean uniformity in culture, language, or in ways of praying. The local population speaks both English and Spanish. Evangelization should respect the culture and language of each person.
- Jesus Christ told his Apostles: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh.” Therefore, what God has joined together, let no human being separate” (Mt 19:6). Faithful couples who are living out their marriage vows should be recognized and supported. Parishioners are called to witness to the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony that is a life-long exclusive union between a man and a woman. Opportunities to grow in the graces that Jesus provides in the sacrament (retreats, talks, prayer time) should encouraged. The Good News of the Church’s teaching on matrimony and sexuality should be communicated joyfully and frequently to the youth of the parish who are being bombarded by contrary messages and examples.
Always Forward 