Come and see

Tell U.S. Catholic how hospitable your parish is

2010-12-01T22:10:00.003-06:00

This month's U.S. Catholic Sounding Board article focuses on hospitality. Even if you don't think St. Thomas is great, (and I'll pretend not to be hurt by that) please take the time to read this article and respond to the survey at the end.

Let’s give a warm welcome
If parishes lose the Catholic tradition of hospitality, they risk losing members.

By Heather Grennan Gary

One place we can and should be reminded of what true hospitality is--and given a chance to practice it--is in our parish.

I learned this lesson the hard way when my husband and I moved with our young family to a new town several years back. While we were sad to say goodbye to our parish and the community we'd built, we were eager to move. And when we met people in our new town, one of the first questions they'd ask was, "Have you found a church yet?" Our answer was pretty straightforward: We were Catholics, and there was one Catholic parish in town, so that was that.

During our first year there, we attended the big Sunday morning Mass, the bilingual Mass, and the Saturday vigil. We volunteered to be lectors, to teach English to Spanish-speaking parishioners, and to help with the parish website. We took part in a reading group and bought SCRIP. Our daughter was too young for the regular religious ed program, but she made the age cutoff for Vacation Bible School, so she went. read the whole article here.

What kind of space do we offer?

2010-10-30T10:00:00.005-05:00

Making space literally means what it implies. We have to make room for others in our lives both physically and attitudinally. Just as we make room for a spouse, our children or a sibling to enter our lives, so too do we need to make space for others in our places of worship, and we need to be present to them in that space.

Our "presence" refers to "being" with one another; being truly attentive to them. There is great comfort in sharing our own stories and listening to the stories of others. Making space in our busy lives to "be" with others is what true presence is all about.

Presence comes from an inner attitude that recognizes the depth of the connection between humans, and the connection between humans and God. This attitude must be nurtured constantly in prayer and practice. With this inner attitude of presence, true hospitality becomes a way of life, in every moment of every day. It exemplifies the meaning of the word Stewardship.

In the words of Henry Nouwen, we can provide our guests with “a friendly space, where they may feel free to come and go, to be close and distant, to eat and to fast”.

Are we good stewards of our space?

Reverend Fun - Nice Visit

2010-10-20T16:43:00.001-05:00

Reverend Fun - Nice Visit

What Jesus meant....

2010-07-27T15:03:00.000-05:00

I’m telling your mother!

2010-04-22T12:23:00.004-05:00

That’s right, and so should you. In May we honor our Blessed Mother, Mary, as well as our own mothers, birth mothers, adoptive mothers, Godmothers, mothers-in-law, and any other woman whose relation to us includes the word or action we typically assign to “Mothering.”

And, isn’t it wonderful that we can look to Jesus’ mother not just as our role-mother, but as our role-model? We know from scripture and tradition the kind of woman Mary was: courageous, steadfast, contemplative, and grounded in her trust in God to name just a few attributes. We can also imagine the stories between the stories of how Mary might have acted at other times of her life. In the Jewish tradition, this imagining, or filling in of the gaps, is called “midrash.” At a recent St. Thomas Sophia’s Circle retreat, our presenter Yonah Klem, employed midrash to guide attendees to deeper understanding of the matriarchs of the Old Testament. Another word uncommon to our Catholic vocabulary is “targum,” which without going into its literal usage in ancient translations can be understood as an extended paraphrase of a story, in other words, targum is the story within the story which helps bring home the truths being told.

We cannot know more about the historical Mary than we already do, however, using that foundation we can practice midrash, or employ targum as a way to fill the gaps with scenes of Mary as a young girl learning at the knee of her mother, as an adolescent, sharing confidences with her friends, and later, as a young bride-to-be just prior to being visited by Gabriel with the news that would change the world. It can be helpful to wonder if Mary did “all the right things” when she was raising Jesus, or if she ever worried that she was too harsh, or too easy.

Mary, our Blessed Mother, was a real (albiet truly special), live flesh-and-blood woman. And like the mothers in our lives, we can still turn to Mary for guidance and wisdom. So, go tell your mother...
(SF)

How will you respond, Lazarus?

2010-03-17T10:31:00.005-05:00

Lent forces us to consider the meaning of resurrection. Are we buying it, or not? As Christians our faith in Jesus as savior is balanced on accepting and believing he rose from the dead. Let’s not kid ourselves, it is hard to believe. But we do want to believe don’t we? So, we set aside the squeaky wheel that calls for proof, we suspend our doubts…”with God, all things are possible.”

This weekend we will hear the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. The story informs our skeptical minds and says “listen, if you can’t believe this, how can you expect to accept what comes next?”

In recent days, I have been struck by the implicit role of community in each of our own personal resurrection stories. Yesterday, after breaking open the word together at a staff meeting, Fr. Joel challenged us to reflect on where we witness the resurrection story, in personal lives, in the parish, in the people we serve, and beyond.

At my age, I can say I have heard the story of Lazarus a hundred times or more. But yesterday I heard something new in the following passages:

He cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. –John 11:33

Notice how Jesus uses a loud voice when he tells Lazarus to come out. The dead man’s response might be, “uh, Jesus, my friend, don't shout. If you haven’t noticed I am now dead to the world.” To which Jesus would quip “no, you aren’t, you have more to give, now get up!” Jesus' loud voice did not tell the others, “Go in there and help him out,” it was directed to Lazarus, and Lazarus had to respond willingly to Jesus’ command and without help. How many times have we heard the unmistakable voice of Jesus telling us to pull ourselves together and make a change? His voice is quite loud. But we are bound up in our burial cloths. His voice is persistent. But we don’t think he is talking to us.

Listen! We have to respond of our own free will to the incredible, unbelievable, other worldly possibilities to which Jesus calls us.

The next line is even more telling
So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.” --John 11:34

Here is the role of community: “Untie him and let him go.” Our willingness to respond to Jesus' call is step one, but it is not enough. We are limited by what binds us: our way of thinking, our sense of purpose, our abilities, or lack thereof, and the ever-increasing limitations placed upon us by others, all these burial cloths need to be removed. Jesus doesn’t tell Lazarus to break free on his own; he tells the others to help him.

And that is all we know about Lazarus. We don’t know the rest of the story. We don’t know what Lazarus does with the rest of his life. It is not important. What is important is what we do.

What are you going to do when you hear the loud voice of Jesus waking you, will you respond? Who will Jesus command to help free you from the burial cloths that prevent resurrection? Will you do the same for another?

Ways to enter into contemplative prayer: Part 5

2009-09-11T07:52:00.008-05:00

Franciscan Prayer: The Path of Service. This method of prayer uses our five senses to recognize God continually and in everything. It appeals to those who prefer informal prayer and who want to act of behalf of others. This is an optimistic type of prayer that includes acts of loving service. While they may not realize it and many are not regular churchgoers, about 38% of the believing population worships using the Franciscan prayer method.

Click here to visit the Conventual Franciscans page on Facebook

Method

1. Go to a place where nature abounds

2. Feel the beauty and freshness of nature

3. Pick up a flower or a leaf (or observe the majesty of a tree, or canyon, etc.) that attracts your attention and wonder at the way God has created it

4. Glorify and praise God in prayer for this gift of nature and for all the good that you experience that very moment.

5. Respond to your awareness of the sanctity and power of creation in ways that actively, yet quietly, magnify and reflect God's awesome gifts of nature.

Are you a Franciscan prayer? In what ways do you respond to your prayer?

Ways to enter into contemplative prayer: Part 4

2009-08-17T07:12:00.004-05:00

Thomistic Prayer: The Path of Intellect. Method of Thomas Aquinas. This is logical, intuitive, analytical and results in a logical conclusion or action. The prayer answers some or all of these questions, What, Why, How, Who, Where, When, and With What Assistance? The result of this type of prayer is “metanoia,” a change of heart. About 12% of the population would consider themselves Thomistic prayers.

Method

Take any virtue - for example, humility, Alternative: select a story from scripture and focus on a virtue or positive aspect of one of the characters.

Reflect. What does it (the virtue or positive aspect) mean?

What is the connection between (humility) and authenticity?

What did Jesus say about (humility)?

Who are good biblical examples of (humility)?

Examine your own (humility)

What should I do to be more like this?

End with a prayer to Jesus for the gift of the virtue.

Ways to enter into contemplative prayer: Part 3

2009-08-01T12:16:00.005-05:00

Augustinian Prayer: The Path of Devotion.
Augustinian prayer is imaginative. It allows a dialogue between the one praying and God via the application of scripture to one’s personal situation. This method appeals to open minded creative, and optimistic people. Journalers, writers and public speakers find Augustinian prayer compounds and enhances their ability to put words to everyday experiences. However, individuals who are sensitive to inclusive language may get stuck on gender terms used in scripture and will want to actively attend to step 2 of the method.

Method

Pick a Psalm (i.e. a psalm where Yahweh is speaking to Israel would be good). Alternative: select a suitable reading from scripture where the message is being directed to a particular individual or community.

When reading the Psalm, instead of using the word "Israel", replace it with your own name; when reading another passage from scripture imagine you are the audience to which the message is being directed.

Get in touch with your feelings as you are addressed (note especially feelings of peace, consolation, protection, security, love, tenderness, etc.)

Reflect on what this prayer experience means for you personally today. Keep a journal, sketchbook or other record of your reflections.

Ways to enter into contemplative prayer: Part 2

2009-07-03T08:48:00.005-05:00

Benedictine: Lectio Divina. This ancient Christian prayer method uses the Bible or other suitable reading material. It is universal to all people and is appropriate for private contemplation or for use in groups. Extroverts love it, because it provides them with an order of action. Introverts appreciate it because it is slow and allows them silent contemplation.

Method:

• First Stage: Lectio (reading)
Read the word of God slowly and reflectively. Any passage can be used but it should not be too lengthy.

• Second Stage: Meditatio (reflection)
Reflect on the text in order to discern God’s message to you.

• Third Stage: Oratio (response)
Inspired by your reflection from stage two, leave your thoughts aside and allow your heart to speak with God.

• Forth Stage: Contemplatio (rest)
Sit silently and rest in the word of God

Click here for an excellent source of suitable readings and guidance following the liturgical calendar. You will want to click on the current month listed on the left side of the page to locate the current reading.

Read Fr. Luke Dysinger, O.S.B.'s step-by-step guide on Lectio Divina.

Finally, click this link to view a video of Fr. James Martin S.J., author of My Life with the Saints, explaining Lectio Divina with a specific reading.

Ways to enter into contemplative prayer: Part 1

2009-06-26T07:48:00.015-05:00

How do you pray? Do you connect formally, guided by recited prayers? Or, is your conversation with God more like a stream of consciousness? Do you journal? Does nature become your cathedral? Is centering prayer or meditation a piece of your prayer life? Of the countless ways to pray, the method we choose often correlates with the place we find ourselves on our spiritual journey and can lead us into deeper forms of prayer if we allow it.

Contemplative prayer is a way of immersing oneself in a quiet place, a place of balance, and a place of spiritual imagination. Five “traditional” forms of Contemplative Christian prayer include: Ignatian, Benedictine, Augustinian, Thomistic, and Franciscan--all of which emerged from the mystical experiences of their namesakes. Each of these types of prayer will be published in this blog over the next few weeks. Enjoy and discover your favorite.

Ignatian Prayer: The Path of Asceticism

Ignation prayer uses the imagination. Through scripture the reader is placed in the midst of the event.

Method: In this prayer, we make use of guided imagery and active imagination within the framework of a gospel passage of Jesus’ life. Begin by selecting a short action passage from the gospel.

Relax, focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Allow yourself to let the events of your day, or worries to slip away. Relax. Become aware of God’s presence around you. Read the passage several times slowly. Now place the bible aside.

Breathe and recall the story you just read. Allow it to come alive before you. Imagine the people, the place, the dust, the smell, the objects, the animals, the words spoken, etc. Just let yourself go. Enjoy the scene. Place yourself in it. You are more than a bystander or an onlooker. Be active in what is happening!

Do not make judgements or analyze. Just be present to the scene.

Do not try to reason out or learn. Be content just be there.

End the prayer by talking to Jesus. Thank him for all that happened or did not happen during this time of prayer.

Journal your experience, pay close attention to your feelings.

If an insight emerges write it down.

For additional information and contemplations, please visit www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Imagination.

And, for wonderful daily ignatian podcast prayer visit www.pray-as-you-go.org.

What is the difference?

2009-05-28T07:00:00.004-05:00

"I've never attended a Mass that made me feel the way this one did." These are the words of my brother-in-law who, with my husband's sister, were in town to celebrate our eldest daughter's graduation. They are business owners and travel all over the country, and rarely if ever miss a mass. Being a member of the staff at St. Thomas, I was eager to hear more of what he meant.

So, he continued..."Are you guys a different sect of Catholicism?" I had to laugh because I know what he meant and I'm sure if you were not raised as a St. Thomas parishioner, and have endured dry, lifeless liturgies elsewhere, you get the joke too. So I said "Of course we are not a different sect of Catholicism, we are Roman Catholic and our liturgies follow the exact same order, and include all the prayers and rituals of Catholic masses said all around the world...but we are an oasis."

There IS a difference. And my brother-in-law agreed. I will summarize the points he made.

The music: Lively, great, different, and energized from the beginning to the end. Not only is everyone singing, they appear to WANT to sing. The worship aid is far better than a hymnal.
The pre-Mass greeting: So friendly! This is unusual. A real community feeling, a wonderful way to start. In fact, it was friendly on the way in and on the way out
The commentator: eloquent speaker, it is great to see all the ethnic diversity in the church
The lectors: Very well prepared, delivered the readings with meaning, kept the attention
The homily: Loved how Fr. Joel got personal, how he challenged the community with questions, how he probed and got answers to make sure we understood. This was not a dry homily, it was personal, terrific.
Fr. Joel: love this guy, and obviously you do too. The emotional connection between Fr. Joel and the people is apparent.
The Lord's Prayer: beautiful and moving, hand holding. Everyone singing!

Okay, I'll admit it, I really felt a surge of pride hearing my brother-in-law talk about St. Thomas this way. It was affirming to me that my experience is not biased, it is real. But it is essential that we go out and make good liturgy happen everywhere. St. Thomas is an Oasis, but surely good liturgy can be found in other churches.

So, here is my take: Liturgy literally means Work of the People. Without a doubt it is the liturgists, the musicians, the commentators, the greeters, the altar servers, and the presider who make the liturgy possible. And no doubt Christ is present among us. But it is the action of the People actively seeking out and recognizing the palpable experience of Christ through one another, through the prayers, the readings, the rituals, and of course through the Eucharist. On any given Sunday, Saturday, holiday, you can look around St. Thomas and see it happening. We Celebrate. This is the difference.

We make this difference a reality wherever we go. St. Thomas parishioners have first hand experience of good liturgy but it doesn't stop here. This summer, while attending Mass at other churches, bring some of that St. Thomas difference with you and celebrate your experience of the living Christ with another.

Palm Sunday

2009-04-04T20:00:00.005-05:00

Mike Hayes is the author of "Googling God: The Religious Landscape of People in the 20s and 30s". He is also the managing editor of Bustedhalo.com, a Catholic spirituality site sponsored by the Paulists. Mike's take on how Catholics often think about and occasionally respond to "Creasters" is refreshing and frankly, spot on. This week, St. Thomas will welcome many people who for countless reasons have been away from the church and are taking that tentative first step back...will their experience bring them back a second time, a third?

Mike Hayes' blog for Palm Sunday:

I love Palm Sunday. We get to see more people on Palm Sunday and Ash Wednesday than we do most of the year. And while many people find it annoying that these folks only show up during these times (and maybe in addition Christmas and Easter) we have such an opportunity to feed them some good spirituality. I would also challenge those who don't like these people that they may be the reasons that they don't show up more often. Complaining about their lack of attendance might just be the nudge they needed to go right back out the door from whence they came--and most likely not to return again. Other traditions would fall over backwards welcoming these people with open arms each and every Sunday--and yet, we don't do that often enough--not even four times a year when we know they're going to make their way back to us. There's a lot of hatred out there--why not be a force for positive change? Pastors often are too busy with preparations as are the rest of the staff--what is it that we can do as laity to take on the task of welcoming people into our pews this Palm Sunday?
So today, ask yourself--not father, not deacon, not the choir director...How can you welcome someone in your parish that you might not see on a regular basis?
That's where we need to be this Holy Week...and I pray that we all find it in our hearts to do just that. Posted by god googler at 7:33 PM

Bless me, Father...

2009-03-20T15:01:00.004-05:00

When was the last time you received the sacrament of reconciliation? If it’s a distant memory, you are not alone. Reconciliation has a bad rap and conjures up all kinds of unpleasant feelings. For one thing, it persists in being known only by its first part: the confession, as if the forgiveness part is an afterthought.

But, on Wednesday March 25 at 7:30pm you can show those bad feelings the door. Come experience this healing Sacrament with new eyes. A communal service of prayer and music will be followed by opportunities for individual confession and sacramental absolution with a Priest. Deacons and prayer partners will also be available to talk with if you so choose.

Please come. Experience the healing and freeing Sacrament of Reconciliation with the community of St. Thomas the Apostle. Weds. March 25 at 7:30pm.

1500 Brookdale Rd. Naperville IL 60563 630-355-8980

What's your story?

2009-03-12T07:59:00.004-05:00

This past week we were honored to have our Lenten Mission presented by the author Alice Camille. While she was here, Alice commented she truly felt she was among friends, and that our way of welcoming was relatively uncommon in the world of presenters. Our way of making a guest feel at home in not an accident.

It is, very simply, the way we do things at St. Thomas.

Alice shared many stories with us, and in each one a thread continued to emerge: God resides in the relationship. When we are present to one another, we shine a light on the holiness of the seemingly insignificant everyday encounter. We need to keep our eyes open, our ears alert, and allow ourselves to be vulnerable in order to recognize divinity in the moment; in other words, what happens when a simple conversation takes on an aura of sacred presence. Is it by chance? Perhaps a coincidence? As Alice told us, it's not magic, it's transfiguration.

At different times of our lives, we experience how it feels to be among friends, and conversely, how it feels to be alone, a stranger in a crowd. We all have a story. What is yours? When and where have you felt among friends, and when have you recognized God in an encounter? Will you share your story here?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever

2009-02-07T06:59:00.005-06:00

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind" Hebrews 13:16

This instruction, and the verses before it (Hebrews 13:1-16) speaks of how we are to live always, but most poignantly, how we are to live in these times of extreme fear and insecurity. Where can we find God in the financial crisis, rising unemployment, lengthening soup lines? It is not necessary to list each point of imbalance which threatens to topple our fragile security, the news media holds it up to us in 200 point typefaces. But once again, we turn and see, God is in the relationship. How we interact with one another. Are we generous of heart, of time, of compassion? We all have something we can share. Do we see we are in this together as one body? How can our priorities remain in grasping what remains of material riches when we know all too well how quickly those evaporate...quite literally overnight?

Strengthen your resolve and see that you are still standing, a little worn, a little weary, but solidly, and reach out to steady the gait of friend or a stranger who needs you today.

Meeting each other where we are

2009-01-08T07:33:00.008-06:00

Pet owners know firsthand the incredible bond of loyalty, and yes, friendship, formed between humans and animals. Perhaps a dog's boisterous homecoming greeting means "What's for dinner?" or "Hurry! I need to go out!" But more than likely the greeting means "I'm so happy to see you and I love everything about you so much I could wag my tail off!"

There is no doubt our animals know a few things about welcoming, acceptance and unconditional love that we can learn and apply to our practice of hospitality. Watch the following video for an unusual example of friendship. (There may be a short commercial at the start, the video will follow).

Watch CBS Videos Online

If you have trouble starting the video click this link

Let's talk about it. Share your thoughts on friendship and loyalty. When do you recall being "met where you are?"

More Good News....

2008-12-10T13:18:00.009-06:00

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people (Lk 2: 8-11).’”

Catholics Coming Home

Come Home for Christmas...the door is always open

A True Act of Kindness

2008-09-12T09:49:00.004-05:00

Hospitality...like Martha Stewart?

2008-07-01T17:26:00.003-05:00

I doubt Martha speaks Greek, but if she did she would tell you that the word hospitality is Philos (loving) + Xenos (the stranger). Today, however, the word hospitality conjures thoughts of carefully planned menus, perfectly set tables, down pillows and comforters, thirsty towels and impeccable service. Somehow the act of welcoming the stranger has been redrawn to include only the people we invite into our homes or those we pay so we can stay in their hotels.

It is true that an enticing meal and comfortable sleeping arrangements are signs of being a good host. But Christian Hospitality, as Jay Voorhees, pastor of the Antioch United Methodist Church, writes in his blog http://onlywonder.com/, is "to understand that everyone who walks through the door is Jesus Christ. ... To offer hospitality here is to celebrate when some new person is sitting in “your pew,” to ignore the mud that is being tracked in on the carpet, and to be willing to do new things so that our guests may better know the love of Christ."

What are some new things that we at St. Thomas can do so that our guests may better know the love of Christ?

For starters we can make ready our hearts for the arrival of newcomers. One simple example is of the newcomer who enters without taking a worship aid. He or she might not know that we use them rather than a missalette. Perhaps if we see someone without one, we can offer them ours and return to the Host-Greeter for a replacement. This act of kindness not only shows our willingness to meet one another where we are, but our willingness to pray together.

What else can we do?

Benedictine Hospitality

2008-05-15T09:55:00.005-05:00

The Benedictines are known for a profound practice of hospitality which we should all strive to emulate. The simplicity of welcoming the stranger necessitates an intrinsic understanding of who the stranger truly is, and by whose grace we extend our greeting.

The Rule of St. Benedict 53:1-2, 15
Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ, for he is going to say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matt. 25:35). And to all let due honor be shown, especially to thouse who share our faith (Gal. 6:10) and to pilgrims. ...In the reception of the poor and pilgrims the greatest care and solicitude should be shown, because it is especially in them that Christ is received.

Learn more about the Benedictines.
The above image is a detail from a mural painted by Fra Angelico, located in the Monastery of San Marco, Florence where Fra lived between 1439 and 1445.

For Crying Out Loud

2008-04-10T15:59:00.008-05:00

By Jack Shea

A woman, in her late forties and stylishly dressed, approached the priest as he stood outside the church after the 9:45 am Mass. “That baby screamed throughout your entire homily. Why didn’t you do something? You should have told the parents to take the child out. Didn’t that crying bother you?”

In fact, it did bother him. He lost his train of thought a couple of times, but he managed to get back on track. Preachers quickly learn to override the baby competition. This does not mean they win the battle to be heard. It just means they don’t stop, break down, and cry themselves.

But there is something profoundly disturbing about asking a crying baby to leave. Besides the embarrassment to the parents, there are deeper issues involved in this very minor moment of liturgy. Could it be that the nature of Eucharist welcomes crying babies?

There may be dozens of practical reasons why babies should be left at home, but there is one overwhelming reason why they should be present. They are one of us. Crying comes with the baby territory. (Actually, it comes with the adult territory, too; but we repair to the bathroom and do it more quietly.) People may try to quiet babies, but nobody begrudges them a good wail. When they are there, the human condition is rounded out. And their occasional or sustained outbursts remind us of a fact that liturgies often leave us in doubt about. We are alive.

Excerpted from Daybreaks, Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter, written by Jack Shea, copyright ©2008. Used with permission of Liguori Publications, Liguori, MO 63057. 1-800-325-9521. www.liguori.org

For information about this booklet of beautiful reflections, please click this link: http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=10975

Meet Matt

2008-03-12T15:14:00.007-05:00

Meet Matt: a recent college graduate starting a new position with a local corporation. Matt is 24, single, and just might be sitting behind you next weekend at Mass.

Matt’s story is not unusual. In fact, the first part is more common than you might expect. The second part however, is relatively rare. What happens involves every member of a welcoming community. Young adults, single and married, represent a third of our parish population. How do we measure up?

Early on in his sophomore year at State, Matt’s roommate Josh invited him to check out Sunday Mass at the campus Newman Center. Matt knew that Josh had been a part of that community since freshman year and was involved in some outreach ministries.

Matt was hesitant to accept. Not because he wasn’t Catholic. He was; his parents made sure he had his sacraments, but that was where his religious experience ended. He couldn’t remember the last time he attended Mass with his folks, he felt lukewarm about the whole church thing, and wasn’t sure he wanted to be accountable to his roommate if he decided to bag it. Matt had to admit though, that Josh seemed pretty normal so he reluctantly decided to join him. Surprisingly, he found the Mass experience to be energizing. He just felt good to be there, and started going week after week and even volunteered a few hours on weekdays with various ministries including tutoring a few local poor kids after school. Matt discovered he thrived on the experience of being a member of a community where he could strengthen his faith and discover spiritual gifts. He found himself growing as a leader. Unfortunately, when Matt graduated, he found himself without this connection. He felt lost and wasn’t able to find anything even remotely close to his experience with the Newman Center.

One Friday night over pizza and beers with his buddies, the typical conversation about work, lousy commutes, and the playoffs somehow drifted to the topic of the Newman Center that most of them attended at State. Although some said they occasionally showed up at their local parish, they missed the experience of campus ministry. Matt agreed, admitting that he really wished he could find a church like it. But then, one of the guys, Steve, started telling them about his girlfriend’s parish.

“It's different.” he said, “They are really friendly, you know? The music is unbelievable. It’s just like Newman except you might be sitting next to someone who reminds you of your grandma, and you know what? She’s just as happy to see you as if she was your grandma!” Steve continued, “Sheila’s folks are long-time members and on the way out they introduced me to the youth minister. You would not believe how cool this guy was. Turns out, they are looking for people just like us. We talked for a long time and he told me about some of the things I could get involved in and said to come back the following week for a planning meeting.”

He paused, grinning “You guys’ game?”

Matt was the first to answer, "Count me in."

28-year old Mary

2008-02-22T13:40:00.004-06:00

“Looks like a popular Mass,” Mary thought as she slowed to a stop in front of the church. A small crowd crossed in front of her, avoiding puddles of melting snow as they made their way to the church entrance. “Looks young-ish too,” she noted, watching a young father manage three adorable children who had captured the attention of a group of teenage girls. Several well-dressed middle aged couples greeted each other with hugs. “So far, so good,” Mary thought as she navigated her way around the crowded parking lot, an obvious sign of health. And based on the happy looking people she had passed on the way in Mary felt optimistic. She already liked the look and feel of the exterior and had high hopes. “This might be the place for me.”

Just eight months earlier, Mary accepted a job transfer to manage a regional sales group located in the Midwest. The new job came with a hefty salary increase, a company car and covered all of her moving expenses. Mary had never considered leaving the East Coast, but she was still single, 28 years old, and living in the heartland of America appealed to her, regardless of its lack of landscape. She joked with her old friends that Illinois was “flat as a pancake” but the people seemed nice.

Now, looking back, Mary recalled four words her dad whispered to her just before she boarded the plane “Find a nice parish.” He never failed to ask her every time they spoke, “Have you found a church yet?” Somehow, Mary was able to brush over the fact that she had not. In fact, since she had arrived, her old college habit of not attending church at all became the norm once again. It seemed okay for a while; she was busy at work and finding her way around really kept her busy. But now, the busyness was wearing off, and she was lonely. Her job was stressful; she craved a peaceful place where she could be centered. She joined a yoga class which helped a little, but not enough. Mary needed more. She often thought about the various charitable causes she supported in the old neighborhood, and wondered if there was a soup kitchen or shelter where she could volunteer her time. Sometimes she cried as she prayed late at night. One night, as she lay awake listening to the whistle of a distant train, Mary heard the sound of church bells, and she heard her dad’s words: “Find a nice parish.”

She realized she needed to meet other young adults and reconnect with a faith community. Months earlier Mary received a postcard from a nearby Catholic church welcoming her to the neighborhood; she was amazed to find it was still in a messy pile of papers under her coffee table. Coincidentally a friend from work had mentioned the name of that same Catholic Church, although he also invited her to join him for services at his non-denominational church.

Mary walked through the doors, passing clusters of people engaged in small talk, some greeting old friends, others in more serious conversation. No one noticed her. “It’s okay, why would they notice me; look how big this place is.” She picked up a song sheet on her way into the sanctuary. The church was nearly full, and most people were chatting with friends or family members sitting nearby as they waited for the Mass to begin. Such happy faces, how friendly and warm it felt. It pulled at her heart. “This is a good place,” she thought as she scanned the pews for a place to sit. She spotted what she thought was a seat, but as she drew nearer, she saw several coats on the pew, no room for her to sit. A few people looked up from their conversations but no one acknowledged her, or motioned to her that she could sit with them. No usher appeared to help her find a seat. Walking to the back of the church, her optimism waning, Mary stood there for several minutes and finally decided to stand in the back of the church.

At the beginning of Mass, everyone was invited to turn around and greet those around them. And they did. It was amusing, Mary thought, watching people leave their pews to greet the same people they had just finished talking with. She tentatively put out her hand several times, and attempted to make eye contact. But no one greeted Mary. She felt awkward. She felt invisible. “I’m here to worship,” she reminded herself as she sang along with the congregation and participated as best she could. When it was time for the sign of peace, Mary decided that she would offer peace to the people in the row in front of her. She stepped forward and waited while they hugged each other. She smiled weakly as they turned away from her, reaching across the pews to shake the hands of the people in front of them, the same ones they greeted and chatted with earlier. Feeling a little self conscious, Mary looked around and saw an older woman still sitting and offered her a sign of peace.

“I have to be fair, these people all know each other, and they don’t know me.” But, feeling more alone than ever, Mary slipped out the back after communion. No one noticed.

For I was a stranger and you welcomed me

2008-02-03T09:27:00.001-06:00

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.

Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'

And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'' --Matthew 25:31-40

Beginning with Ash Wednesday, St. Thomas will host several powerful Lenten events, each of which speak to the heart of our call to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to be both the giver and the recipient of spiritual nourishment.

Lent is a time of reflection and of hunger. Some of us pare back by "giving up" sweets, bread, eating between meals, and other food items. Our small sacrifices often cause our focus to shift to the great sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us and recognize new opportunities to "be Christ" by channeling our own hunger pangs to helping alieviate the hunger of those who struggle every day of the year.

Hunger comes in many forms, including, of course, literal hunger. But, one type of hunger experienced by so many is the hunger for a connection, to be acknowledged, to have friendship, to break through the barriers of loneliness, to feel a sense of belonging.

This Lent we have multiple opportunities to help "feed" each other, at home, school, work and in the community. St. Thomas can replenish your hunger too. Come and See.

Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2

2008-01-03T15:37:00.000-06:00

I have been searching far and wide for this particular bit of scripture. I can't recall when I first heard it, but it stayed with me, sans the scriptural address. So, I Googled these words: Angels + Hospitality. Among the list of hits was http://bible.cc/, a very cool resource of verses from nearly every version of the Bible and in more languages than I have time to count. Check it out. And, digging deeper into the Google results list I found a new resource for daily inspiration: http://www.upperroom.org/daily/?m=200708. While this is a Christian, (not Catholic) site, it follows the common lectionary and includes quotes from magazines and books published by Upper Room. Quite good, but I digress...

Hebrews 13:2 speaks loudly and clearly about being in the present moment--having full awareness in welcoming. When we think of the word hospitality, images of hotels and restaurants appear --with waiters eager to serve. And yet, hospitality means so much more than making someone comfortable and offering refreshment. It is far more than being greeted with a smile and a handshake, although we know these gestures communicate that our presence is welcome.

Hospitality means that regardless of familiarity, appearance, available space, invitation (or lack thereof), we must always present a welcoming face to each person we meet. Angels or not, we are all God's children, loved equally and wholly, and perhaps connected by the heavenly filament of Angelic song. Let us greet one another that way.

Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.
--Hebrews 13:2

2007-12-13T13:19:00.000-06:00

Welcoming is one of the divine gifts of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish, and each of us, as members of this body share that charism. Likewise, if we are aware of the divine image in which God created us and are open to God’s movement in our lives, it is this image which reaches out to shake the hand of the person standing near us each week at the start of Mass. We use our words, our smile, our friendliness, but it is this image speaking through us: “I am so pleased we are here together this morning”. It is that image of God in us that greets each person we see throughout our day, at home, at work, and in play. God speaks through us: “It is so good to see you”. It is the voice we use when we answer the phone not knowing who is on the other end. God speaks through us: “I am here”. It is this image which seeks the face of Christ in each person we meet, and which looks into our eyes. God says: “I know you.”

Have you ever considered the impact your greeting might have on another, or how their greeting might affect you? How do we welcome guests and newcomers to our faith community? Let’s explore this together, please share your impressions and suggestions.

2007-11-05T11:23:00.000-06:00

Many of us consider St. Thomas to be a warm and welcoming community. Do you? The founding families of this good parish were inspired by the workings of the Holy Spirit to build this house with arms wide open. How exciting it must have been for these families to attend the first celebration of the Holy Eucharist in their new church after so much hard work and time spent in anticipation. The atmosphere must have been electric with joy! And it continues with each passing year as new families visit St. Thomas and experience that same sense of “fit” and “belonging” which draws them closer into God’s embrace. Indeed, most of us can recall with great clarity an initial experience of warmth and welcoming that led us to make St. Thomas our home.

Do you have an experience which led you to join St. Thomas that you would like to share? Please leave your impressions and suggestions for others to read.