It is probably apparent to most of us in our parishes that we have spiritual and material strengths,
and some weaknesses. For example, Mass attendance, although not
perfect, is generally quite good. Considering the size of St. Mark’s and
our people’s demanding schedules, daily Mass attendance is excellent.
It has been truly heartening to see how St. Mary’s, Raynesford, displays
devotion for their small church and for that faith community; indeed,
St. Mary’s is so vibrant that although it is a mission in church law, in
reality it acts more as an independent parish. This year I plan to
offer several special Masses at St. Mary’s, beginning on the Eve of All
Saints (Halloween). St. Clement’s needs and will receive considerable
effort to build a living community there once the beloved chapel has
been removed to St. Thomas Camp. As noted, I will offer Masses there
during summer months only. Holy Trinity, Centerville, a
truly independent parish, has integrated parishioners from Great Falls
with notable warmth and Christian charity. Also, I much appreciate the
way parishioners who live in “the Gulch” maintain their facility, and
assist the priest in every possible way. Holy Trinity is a wonderful
faith community, and I invite all of our parishioners to attend there at
least once in the next few months to appreciate them as part of our
common community.
Because I live at St. Mark’s, Belt, and because this parish remains our largest in numbers, more services have been offered here. Perhaps my largest disappointment with St. Mark’s has been the non-attendance of many of our children during summer months. We truly need to encourage better youth attendance. Although it seemed as though we could not offer CCD classes this fall at St. Mark’s, guidance from Lisa Jassen may help us find a good solution. Regarding our week-day Masses in Belt, so well attended, I invite each parishioner to attend on some occasion if at all possible, just to appreciate the kind of close fellowship we experience in these more intimate liturgies.
What is most needed in our four faith communities, I believe, is ongoing spiritual development for our adults, who will then share their growth with their children and with other people living in this part of central Montana. In addition to our Eucharistic celebrations, I try to provide adult faith formation classes periodically throughout the year. A new series will begin sometime in mid or late fall; to date, I have not decided on our topic or text to study, so suggestions are welcomed. Furthermore, I have asked Fr. Owen to begin the NeoCatechumenate at St. Mark's, and that may happen in January. We will provide information in coming weeks of this program of intense faith-and-discipleship formation.
More is needed. We all need growth in genuine faith, which includes knowledge and practice of our Catholic faith within the context of the Diocese of Great Falls. We also need to develop bonds with Protestant brethren in this area, as we share our love of Christ Jesus. In coming weeks, I encourage you to share with me thoughts you may have for helping us build up our common life together. Jesus tells us how to proceed: “Ask, and you shall receive.”
Because I live at St. Mark’s, Belt, and because this parish remains our largest in numbers, more services have been offered here. Perhaps my largest disappointment with St. Mark’s has been the non-attendance of many of our children during summer months. We truly need to encourage better youth attendance. Although it seemed as though we could not offer CCD classes this fall at St. Mark’s, guidance from Lisa Jassen may help us find a good solution. Regarding our week-day Masses in Belt, so well attended, I invite each parishioner to attend on some occasion if at all possible, just to appreciate the kind of close fellowship we experience in these more intimate liturgies.
What is most needed in our four faith communities, I believe, is ongoing spiritual development for our adults, who will then share their growth with their children and with other people living in this part of central Montana. In addition to our Eucharistic celebrations, I try to provide adult faith formation classes periodically throughout the year. A new series will begin sometime in mid or late fall; to date, I have not decided on our topic or text to study, so suggestions are welcomed. Furthermore, I have asked Fr. Owen to begin the NeoCatechumenate at St. Mark's, and that may happen in January. We will provide information in coming weeks of this program of intense faith-and-discipleship formation.
More is needed. We all need growth in genuine faith, which includes knowledge and practice of our Catholic faith within the context of the Diocese of Great Falls. We also need to develop bonds with Protestant brethren in this area, as we share our love of Christ Jesus. In coming weeks, I encourage you to share with me thoughts you may have for helping us build up our common life together. Jesus tells us how to proceed: “Ask, and you shall receive.”
