Thoughts From Fr. Bob

August 8th, 2010: It's hard to believe it's already August! As summer travels end and children return to school, our parish will also come to life with greater activity. Faith First, our whole family faith formation program, will help our families grow in faith. Youth ministry will bring high school and middle school youth to strengthened relationships with each other and Christ. Committees and councils will get back to work. And, we will begin to see the movement to a fuller church as the first of our seasonal parishioners return.

During each of my past three years here I encouraged parishioners to share their gifts and talents in a variety of ways. Particular councils and committees allow men and women to channel their energies for the common good. In the first year, it was the Finance Council and Arts and Liturgical Environment Committee that helped me get a handle on the dollars and cents and finalize the construction and enhancements of our worship spaces. In year two, the Pastoral Council and Stewardship Committee began their important work. Last year, Fr. Tom helped us establish a Social Events Committee and Liturgy Committee. This fall, a Social Justice Committee will begin.

Like with other committees and councils we have formed, the first step in establishing a Social Justice Committee will be to identify interested and well suited individuals to be a part. I have already approached the St. Vincent de Paul Conference here at St. Agnes as a logical partner and Paul O'Connor will represent the Vincentians. I hope to involve some of our parishioners who have gone through the Just Faith program, offered at St. William a couple of years ago. I've also spoken to Jan Sukay, who is coming off the Pastoral Council after two years of service, and presently serves as a volunteer sacristan. She approached me earlier this year about establishing a sister-parish in a mission territory and that clued me in to her heart for social justice. If this is an area that likewise interests you, please let me know.

Once interested individuals are identified, we'll spend some time learning about the Church's social justice teachings and formulating what we as a parish will undertake in this important area. I imagine the committee's mission will be both educational and active, raising people's awareness of the issues at hand and embracing our role in addressing them as Catholics to build up the Kingdom of God on earth. Many of our parishioners are already involved in social justice activities. Volunteers are involved in St. Vincent de Paul, provide Meals on Wheels, assist with Collier Harvest, and serve the hungry at the Guadalupe Soup Kitchen in Immokalee. I imagine God has much more in store for our parish in this area! How about joining me in getting us going in this important area? Once you serve God and neighbor in this way that Jesus commands, your heart will be forever changed!

Father Bob