The Whole Truth
This week a beautiful senior citizen came up to me. She took my hand and pulled me close to herself and then she whispered in my ear, “There was a lady who said something bad about St. Paul's in the supermarket.” Tears welled up in her eyes. I hugged her and said I was very sorry. She thanked me and went to Mass like she has probably done for decades. Another woman told me she was avoiding the lunch room at work because someone held up a newspaper or something and said to her, “There, there you have it, the truth about the Catholic Church.” I am sure there are countless stories like that. I heard we were even the topic of conversation at a bowling alley. When I went for Ice Cream, (don't tell my doctor), I had a similar experience. People were talking about our tragedy, but didn't know who I was. I am afraid we will have to put up with this for awhile. I know I have felt uncomfortable in a number of circumstances.
I would ask that if your feelings are hurt again, offer your pain, discomfort and sadness up to God for the good of our Parish and the Church. Pray something like this, “Lord I give you my pain and sadness for the salvation of souls and the forgiveness of sin.” Then try not to hold any bad feelings toward those who might have made you feel uncomfortable. That's what Jesus did.
And, yes, that newspaper or book told us “a truth” about the Catholic Church. Yes, some of our priests, about 3%, have had serious problems. Even one is too many. Some have broken the law and years ago the Church did not handle these events correctly. Rather, the Church swept everything under the covers or hid this painful truth. I would ask that we all take heart, that while we sadly admit the faults of the Church, they are not the only truth about our Catholic Church and St. Paul Church here in Kensington. I assure you we are trying to be as open and proactive as possible.
Yes, we are a very human Church and over the centuries we have made many mistakes. We are a Church of sinners and saints. Since the time of the Apostles we have tried to be faithful to the Gospel. Since the time of Christ we have worshiped around the table of the Lord. Even though we may fall short as individuals, our Church has proclaimed the Gospel in good times and bad times, in season and out of season. There have been many who have died rather than renounce the Gospel. We have been blessed to have been a positive influence on the world, and the Catholic Church continues to live the Gospel by helping others. Somehow, through God's grace, we are able to do all of this even with our many faults.
St. Paul Church has been a rock in this community. It has been a spiritual place of refuge in the lives of so many people here in Berlin. So many people have told me that St. Paul Church has been their spiritual home their whole life. Several of our Seniors have told me that they were baptized here, received their first holy communion here, were confirmed here, married here, had their children baptized here, worshiped here with their families and educated their families in the faith here. One beautiful woman even told me that in addition to all of the above, she even celebrated her husband's funeral here. St. Paul has been a part of every sig nificant moment in many peoples' lives. It has been a positive part of this community for over 100 years. Like I always say to people who are burdened by their sins, “You are more than your worst moment, and so are we.” St. Paul Church is more than its worst moment.
Please do not lose heart. I know that is easier said than done. I knew we would be all right when I saw so many people come together to pray during the week. I knew it would be OK when so many people still came to Mass even if they were hurt, angry or felt betrayed, just like that beautiful woman who whispered in my ear.
I am so grateful for all of your support. So many of you have promised me your prayers. To be honest, sometimes it almost makes me feel uncomfortable because I know that I am so very far from being the person I need or want to be. As I have told several of you, and I mean this sincerely, if all my sins were listed on my shirt I would certainly be ashamed. I think a lot of us would have the same feeling. Welcome to the Catholic Church. No one is too good to come in or too bad to stay out.
Our Catholic faith is about more than the sins and failings of one man or several men. Our Catholic faith is a gift given to us by God so that we can proclaim and live the truth of the Gospel. Our faith helps us heal a very wounded world. Our Catholic faith has given me to you and you to me. Please know that I feel your pain and I am doing the best I can to carry it with you. I know that you are carrying it with me. I count on your prayers. Thanks for the lasagna, all of the baked goods and all of the hugs and cards. Even your warm glances give me support.
Let us not forget and be very close to anyone who has been hurt in this whole tragedy. I pray every day for any victims out there who need God's healing. If you are reading this and you are a victim, I want you to know that you are so very present in my prayers and heart. It is as if I am standing right next to you. Please contact the Berlin Police Department if you have any additional information.
Other Stuff
Our parish staff is busy gathering the names of our parishioners who graduated from High School this year. It is our hope that we can have a dinner for you before you leave for college or begin work. More details will follow shortly.
Altar Servers / Liturgical Ministers
For over a month or so I have been in dialogue with a couple of families about taking over the responsibilities of our Altar Server Program. The Crenellas agreed to assist the parish in this most important Ministry. They will work on providing training, programming and events for our Altar Servers. I want the servers know how grateful we are for their service, and I want to be sure to provide the kind of training and experiences our Altar Servers need to become the young men and women God wants them to be.
In case you didn't know, Gloria Janik is responsible for the Extra-Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Evelyn Nogiec is in charge of the Lectors. They will all work together to make a family friendly schedule for everyone involved in a liturgical ministry.