St. John Paul the Great once said, “Every member of the faithful is called to holiness and to mission. We are called to be Eucharist by word and action to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our times cry out for this kind of holiness, one inflamed by the ardent determination to bring as many of our brothers and sisters as possible to Christ.”

Last weekend, in my homily, I mentioned that when I arrived to the parish in 2020, I realized we didn’t have a parish mission statement.  Over these past 4 years, even with the help of my parish staff and parish council, I have struggled to formulate one.  But what I didn’t realize until a couple years ago, was that we already had one.  A very concise, straight to the point, mission statement:  Be Faith-Filled.  Be of Service. Be Devout.  This statement blossomed forth from the Memorare Center fundraising committee. It is a beautiful way to look at our mission as Catholic Christians in the world, and now it is on the cover of our bulletin and the homepage of our website!

Be Faith-Filled.  This Sunday we celebrate Catechetical Sunday!  It is a day we bless our catechists, whether in the day school, PSR or homeschool.  We also pray for parents and guardians in a special way, as they are the primary formators of the faith for their children.  Today marks the beginning of Confirmation Preparation, and PSR and youth group start in the coming days.  If you’re an adult, don’t overlook the many ways you can fill up your faith life too.  Check out the bulletin for more information regarding that.  Thanks!

Be of Service.  How are you loving and serving your family, parish, community, state and world?  Like I mentioned, I am looking for people like yourself to help serve others.  In a very real way, I would like to choose parishes in Appalachia and in areas like Puerto Rico—that have been devastated by natural disasters—to love and serve and build up.  If you feel called to serve and build those areas up, please email me at frmerzweiler@stfparish.com.

Be Devout.  I think this is our strong suit at St. Francis de Sales parish.  How are you doing at devoting your life to our loving Jesus, especially in the most Blessed Sacrament?  Now might be a good time to read St. Francis de Sales’ book:  The Introduction to the Devout Life. It can help you live this mission by building first on a strong foundation.

May God bless you and help you bring others to Christ,
Fr. Jeremy

P.S.  Don’t forget to check out where we’ll be hiking and take advantage of the beauty this season of Autumn offers!