Parish Mission Engagement

11-03-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we begin a focus on Parish Mission Engagement. Why this focus? I firmly believe that, as part of the new evangelization in the world we live in today, we as Christians must embrace the great mission mandate to spread the Good News, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This means we have to be intentional as a community and grow in what that means in our daily lives.

The first step in our own missionary commitment is to strive for personal and family holiness. Inviting Christ to dwell in all we do – transforming our lives. That leads to a deep connection with the parish community because it is in the community that we are supported, fed and challenged in our life in Christ. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux is that community for us and it is our spiritual home. Once we have come to know the love and mercy of Jesus, the peace and confidence it brings to the direction of our lives, we are called to share it with others. We share the GOOD News. As the world changes, we must be even more committed to the Mission of Jesus. Being engaged in our faith and this community will only strengthen us in living as holy witnesses.

Jesus and the practice of our Catholic faith has had a great impact on many individuals and families here at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Our faith provides hope and peace on the journey and also gives strength in the rough times of life that naturally occur. We are a pilgrim people on a journey to an everlasting and eternal home. Coming to know God’s plan for us and how it impacts the way we live means a serious embrace of our Catholic faith.

Our mission is to share the good news because Jesus saves…. He is the source of all goodness, truth and beauty. When we f ind Him and when He dwells in us, we are consumed in His love, peace and joy. This is the fundamental longing of every human heart.

The life of our parish, any parish, is meant to provide a place of encounter with God the Father who creates us and loves us, Jesus who saves and teaches us and the Holy Spirit who inspires and motivates us. This is a real relationship that becomes the center of our encounter with one another in the parish community and the great world around us. We hope others will know we are Christians by our love.

It is with gratitude to God, that I first thank you for your dedication and commitment to the parish, to your own personal holiness and for the way you share the Gospel mandate in spreading the Good News. In a community, it means every person matters and their support is part of the great story of parish life.

Please take time this week to pray about your part in the mission of this parish, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. I am confident that God will reveal how you are called to support the mission through prayer, service and a financial commitment. This is our community – a place to encounter Christ. Our support and care is part of the mandate, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”. The mission of Jesus is alive and ongoing here at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Parish.

Peace and Joy in Him,

Fr. Fred