A Parish Alive in Faith
Dear St. Agnes Family,
Blessings!
One of the things that gives me great joy as your pastor is seeing how alive our parish is.
Sometimes we move so quickly from one activity to the next that we do not stop to notice how much is happening in the life of our community, and how many people are quietly giving their time, faith, energy, and love to make it possible.
October is a beautiful example.
Every Monday evening, approximately 400 people gather in our church for Sung Eucharistic Adoration at 8:30 p.m., and around 40 people come to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For me, this is one of the clearest signs of a parish that desires to stay close to Jesus and to experience His mercy.
This month, we will also celebrate:
• Effetá Retreat #17 for Young Adults, October 2–4
• Men’s Emmaus Retreat #52, October 9–11
• First Communion Retreat for children and parents, October 17
• Women’s Emmaus Retreat #51, October 30–November 1
And just last month, September 11–13, we celebrated our Marriage Covenant Retreat #19, helping couples renew their relationship with one another and with Christ.
When I look at all of this, I cannot help but feel grateful.
These retreats and ministries do not happen by themselves. They happen because so many of you say yes. You give your evenings, your weekends, your talents, your prayer, your patience, and often make real sacrifices so that someone else may encounter Christ.
That is what stewardship looks like.
Stewardship is not only financial support. It is understanding that what God has given us is also meant to bless others. Every retreat leader, catechist, musician, hospitality volunteer, prayer team member, and every person working quietly behind the scenes is helping carry out the mission of the Church.
To all of you who serve, thank you. As your pastor, I am deeply grateful for your generosity and commitment.
A parish is truly alive not simply because its calendar is full, but because its people are growing in faith and helping others do the same.
May we continue to ask the Lord:
How are You calling me to serve?
Together, We are St. Agnes!
God bless you,
Fr. jc
Pastor
