We Come to Share Our Story

When I heard the hymn "We Come to Share Our Story" at mass this morning, I could not help but think of all the stories that must be stored inside the parishioners who were in attendance. Although I have chatted with almost all of them at one time or another, I was thankful for those who had really shared their story with me. You know, shared 'their' story: their coming to Christ, their encounters with angels, their struggles, their triumphs, their "Ah Ha' moments. Each story, told with the purest sincerity, has helped inspire me countless times.

So, there I found myself, absorbing the homily amid that aura of sharing, when reality trudged in and demanded center stage. What started out as a talk about the Body and Blood of Christ, quickly turned into THE money talk. Sure, we've had financial pleas before, and I can guarantee that Father would have rather continued speaking about the readings, but I was not prepared for the emphasis that the parishioners should give more than they have already.

The parish, already collecting extra funds for the diocese and the HVAC system for the school, now wants more money for the general fund. $4,000 more is needed for the diocese, $220,000 or so more in pledges for the school's heating and cooling system, and now thousands more need to be canvased to run the parish. I am not on the finance council, but usually read the material that they give us. I do not doubt that they would like more, but I am having a hard time fathoming how much more a small parish such as ours can give? I think people in the parish are extremely generous in a county with a very high unemployment rate and one that is based on agriculture. The recent deluge of rain will automatically tighten the purse strings of many a local farmer.

What kept running through my mind during Father's discourse? "He doesn't know the whole story." I sincerely doubt that Father has been told the story of the three parishes and the consolidation from a number of perspectives. I feel that he views it only as an antiquated tale told only with bitterness and spite. Many of us know that the story of the consolidation is one full of facts, conviction, passion and faith. Many parishioners can provide enlightening perspectives about the story that may guide the church down a more solvent path. Talk to those parishioners whose faith life was more than mass on Sunday and writing a check. Their stories will provide insight and perspective.

I refuse to believe that Father merely wants to see me at mass and watch me toss an envelope in the basket. Attendance and envelopes do not make the kingdom real. The stories and lives that we share make the kingdom real. But, unfortunately stories and lives are more difficult to share than shutting down Salem and slowly suffocating St. Mary's. I have heard of reports that state when a parish is closed, approximately 1/3 never return to any church, and 1/3 move on to an area church other than their consolidation. I am far from a math whiz, but maybe the question is not, "Where can we get more money?" but rather, "Where can we get more parishioners?" Communicating with those who have left and creating interesting and dynamic programs to draw new blood into our parish, may solve our financial woes faster than squeezing blood from a turnip.

Let's Share!