If all goes as planned, I'll return from Haiti on the evening of the 21st, and then jump back in the SJN saddle on the 22nd. That Thursday evening, I will begin a short, four week book club experience for all wanting to join me. We'll be reading the great classic of St. Frances de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life. On the first night together (in the lower level of the church, room four I think), we'll begin at 7 PM and discuss Parts One and Two of the text. For anyone coming to the book club for the first time, we're very informal. We read the appropriate sections beforehand. I offer a kind of running commentary of the reading; and all bring their questions and their insights with them... to share with all.
This summer reading is but one of the many ongoing formation classes that SJN will offer in the near future. As a parish seeking renewal of mind and heart, we are called to take seriously the work of ongoing formation in the Lord. As disciples of the Lord Jesus, we are called to a disciplined life, in choosing the good and rejecting all that tempts us to sin (self-centeredness). This is the foundation, the beginning of the spirit filled life. But there is more. We are called to an abundant life (John 10.10). The abundant life... is a life of fruitfulness, of bringing forth the "fruits of the Kingdom" by staying connected to the Lord Jesus, the Vine of Life (John 15.5). The abundant life is ours when we live the life of a disciple in such a way that others see the good in us, and seek to find out where that goodness comes from. To live abundantly is to be formed (or re-formed) in the Lord so that we seek to do the right thing, we seek to love, to heal, to serve. Ongoing formation, in our study of sacred scripture, in our study of the teachings of the Church, in our reflection on the mystery of God's love for us... ongoing formation is the path for each of us... as we hope to move beyond the "basics"... to find our lives consumed by the abundant love... known in and through the heart of the Savior.
In the fall, I will offer a book club reading of the great St. Teresa of Avila. Deacon Greg will offer a class on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Haywards (Mary and Mike) and the Everetts (Pat and John) will host a new ministry specifically designed for the young married couples of the parish. This Young Married Ministry will be ongoing formation for those of you in the early years of the holy vocation of marriage. The parish will have several opportunities to study sacred scripture... the revealed path to abundant living. These opportunities for ongoing formation mentioned above are just a few of the offerings we'll provide for one and all.
There's more. In January of 2011, SJN will host a day-long Catechetical workshop for the parishes of our Northeast Deanery. Our EDGE coordinator, Linda Mauge, is assisting in putting this together. This full day of classes will allow all of our catechists and those of you invited to become catechists, to work toward your certification. More about this a bit later.
The renewal we seek is of both mind and heart. Study is an integral part of this renewal. Study, along with prayer and service, these movements of the human heart will take us from where we are to where we want to be. By God's grace, though you and I have been broken by sin, we have been redeemed by love... the obedient love of the Savior. To live inside this great mystery... being broken but redeemed... this is where the abundant and fruitful life is born.
I'll be happy to see all next weekend.
Msgr. David Talley
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Children's Liturgy of the Word is at the 9:00 am Mass each Sunday. Children ages 3– 7 years old are invited to listen to the Word of God on their own level and hear it explained on their level. They also sing the psalm and the Alleluia, and pray the Prayers of the Faithful in a way meaningful to children.