THANK YOU

Trying to decide on a birthday present for someone special is tough. What would they like? What do they need? What can I afford to give to them? Where can I find their present? When should I give it to them? Send it in the mail? Give it to them in person? Sometimes we may put to much pressure on ourselves to find the perfect gift.

The perfect gift. Today is Father Bill Bodart's birthday and I have been struggling as how to celebrate it. Why was it even on my mind to celebrate the birthday of a man who been dead since 1997? That would be hard to explain to anyone but the people who came to know him as their pastor. His influence gradually seeped into my being and, as of late, he has been in my thoughts and prayers.

So I checked his obituary online last week and found that his birthday was indeed in June and that it was on the 8th. What gift could I get him? I could spend a day on retreat. I could spend some quiet time with the writings of Father Richard Rohr. I could gather with other parishioners and pray. But, as the day drew near, I realized that a quiet remembrance would be the most appropriate.

I remembered that in the few months before he died, he told us at mass that he decided that on his tombstone he wanted written "Thank You". I have never been to his gravesite to see if that was indeed on his stone, but I remembered how serious he was in his wish to be remembered for being thankful, to God, his family, his fellow religious, and his parishioners.

So last week, I made sure that I wrote Thank You notes and gave tokens of my appreciation to my young 'staff' of college kids who help so unselfishly at our retreats and seminars. Father would have smiled at their enthusiam and their potential. I went to my parlor this evening to say a quiet rosary for the man to whom I respected like no other. Father would have smiled at me. Then, I came to my laptop to communicate with other parishioners about remembering what Father Bill meant to us, and what he taught us. Father would have smiled at how far we've come since we sat at his feet.

Did Father like my gift? Did I give what I could afford? Did I deliver it in a timely fashion? Seems silly to even wonder about it. His gift was giving thanks, and he will be satisfied with me as long as I return thanks as well. The perfect gift.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FATHER !!!

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!

Priest, parishioners provide accordion accompaniment for Polka Mass

Priest, parishioners provide accordion accompaniment for Polka Mass

I recently purchased a laptop to become more mobile for seminars and retreats. I started to make my 'favorites' list, so that I could pull information up to use more quickly. As I added the Catholic Chronicle's website, I ran some names through to catch up with what people were doing. Typing in Father Kent's name brought up the above article. I noticed that the article could be shared, and also saw that the article could be delivered to the blog. I added it to the blog to see how that process worked (I am SUCH a novice!).

Years ago we started this blog as a way to communicate more effectively since any oral conversations questioning the consolidation seemed to be viewed as treason. For the last year or so it has become apparent that our initial group of readers are in no need of a way to 'vent' as much as we maybe now need another way to share our growth. Several ideas are being pursued to change our format. Sharing articles will be one way to foster growth and community effectively. I guess the 'rest of the story', is I only brought up Father Kent's name to the blog as part of my learning experience. Someone emailed me to question whether or not I would be going to that accordian mass/ festival this summer to check up on Father. I think that she read to much into my motive for putting the article in the blog. (Although I admit that I have probably had enough priors to warrant a such a conviction!) Actually I think it would be interesting to see such a mass and I am sure the food and fun would be grand at the festival. Come to think of it, I might go.......

So for now, you have 'the rest of the story.' Stay tuned.