Volunteer! Studies show that when we give of our time and talent, we become healthier and happier. Though it can be hard to find time, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, community, and our parish. It can help you reduce stress, find friends, combat depression, stay mentally stimulated, keep a sense of purpose, and learn skills.
As the Archbishop says in Unleash the Gospel: Jesus Christ makes all things new! He himself is at work to renew his Church in the Archdiocese of Detroit. He is pouring out his Holy Spirit anew so that every member of the Church may be formed and sent forth… Our part is to give him our wholehearted “yes” – to let ourselves be transformed, guided, and sent forth by the Holy Spirit, who is the ‘principal agent of evangelization.
So! We are going to give you some new opportunities. Next week’s entire bulletin will be listing MANY ministries we offer for you to volunteer within the cluster. I want you to take the bulletin (We ordered extras so everybody gets one!), carve out some time to read the description of each ministry, then pray over it, asking Jesus what you are to do? For example, “Lord, do you want me… to meet people who are different from me?…to try something new?… to stretch myself?…to do something more fulfilling with my time?…to see a different way of life and a new way to live my faith?…to do more with the talents and gifts with which you have blessed me?”
Then come back the following week prepared to answer the Spirit. Sign up and hand in the form describing what it is that the Holy Spirit is asking you of you. In other words, give the wholehearted “yes” that the Archbishop describes in Unleash the Gospel. Remember, no one is too old, too young, too weak, too busy, too anything to give their time and utilize their gifts. Our parish is counting on you, the Church is counting on you, and most importantly, Christ is counting on you. Oh, and there is another motivation: reread the first paragraph above!
God Bless,
Fr. J.J.