LET ALL BE WELCOMED AS CHRIST! - Parish of the Holy Cross

Belong More Deeply
Before the super storm Sandy captured our attention and
destroyed our shores, many of you put in names of people
whom we would invite back to Sunday Mass. We have had the
first names of these people in a basket on the Altar as part of
our commitment to pray for them as we invite them to belong
more deeply to our Eucharistic community.
But, I think that effort is far larger and more complicated than
simply putting their first names in a basket. The reasons are
personal to each individual. Some blame God for the loss of a
loved one or a tragedy in their lives. Some simply drift away in
Photograph by Susan Ribeiro
the busyness of modern life. Many, in my opinion, became
disillusioned with the Catholic Church because of real scandals within the Church and
walked away. I do not judge them. I think the Church has much to answer for in the
loss of credibility.
As we approach the first Sunday of Advent, I ask that you reflect upon the person
whose name you placed in the basket. Do you know why they have stopped coming to
Mass? Do you know what might be needed in order to invite them back to Mass?
Perhaps they might first need an outreach from me or a member of our parish staff.
Perhaps they need to work through their anger with God or their disillusionment with
life. If you are comfortable doing this, you might engage them in conversation and let
them know not only that they are welcome here but that we would be happy to talk with
them about their faith and the practice of their faith.
In addition to people who have stopped going to Mass, there are many people who do
not come every week. I recognize that Sunday can be very busy: people need to work,
soccer takes a priority, it is the one day to sleep in. Our society has changed a great
deal since I was growing up. There are many things that vie for our time and attention.
But, I am convinced that Sunday Mass is the most important thing we can do each
week. Make no mistake about it: I think Sunday Mass is very important in being able to
live a Christian life in our world today.
Let us continue our effort to reach out to people who might belong more deeply to our
Eucharistic community. They are most welcome to come and talk with one of us or to
take part in some activity in the parish as they take a step closer to Christ and the
Eucharist. On the next two Sundays we will welcome those who come to be with us.
Let us all continue to be the welcoming community we have always been here at Holy
Cross. May the Lord give you peace.
Father Jim