The strengths and weaknesses of individual human beings, and of functioning communities, are often closely related. An evident strength in our four small faith communities could be called "closeness," in the sense that many of us are related to one another, most parishioners in each community know one another, and our lives are shared in intimate and meaningful ways.
A potential weakness arising from such communal closeness is that "outsiders" may not feel welcomed, or even not be included as living members of our communities. With a number of new members arriving from Great Falls, it is both necessary and fitting that Belt, Centerville, Raynesford, and Monarch welcome these individuals, and treat them as equal members of the faith communities, as real brothers and sisters in Christ. For example, trained and talented lectors, Eucharistic ministers, teachers, and musicians ought to be included in assigning ministers to serve. Including them in rotations should begin as soon as possible.
A second potential weakness of closely-knit faith communities, such as we have here, is that we can forget that we are parts of a larger Whole much greater than Belt or "the Gulch". That we are living members of the world of nature is well understood in Montana, partly because nature in her wonders and power impresses herself upon us. As human beings, we are also members of the whole human community that includes everyone living on the earth now, and all who have lived, and all who will live on this planet. We are parts of the body of humankind. As Catholic Christians, we are also living and functioning members of the worldwide Catholic Church, and also of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. As members of the Diocese, we must follow diocesan policies respectfully. For example, a functioning finance council is not an option, but is demanded by church and diocesan policy.
We are not to act as "lone rangers" absorbed in ourselves, or in our own little communal worlds. We have binding obligations beyond the boundaries of self, family, friends, community. Without losing our closeness, we must seek to be functioning members of the greater Whole. As the priest stationed here, it is my duty to help integrate us ever more fully into the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, into the whole Catholic church and her age-old traditions, and into the one human family.
