I remember when I was just starting out playing the flute, taking music lessons. Every week I would go to my aunt and uncle’s music studio (they still own it to this day) and in the room where my teacher and I would practice he had a poster. The poster had a picture of Uncle Sam pointing out and it bore the saying, “I want you to practice!” I think back to that poster as I think about our latest Parish Council meeting discussion, because that’s basically what our discussion was focused around.

  The effects of this COVID pandemic, which is in many ways still ongoing, can be seen in so many areas, especially in the life of our and so many other parish communities. This isn’t just a challenge that’s unique to us. Events that had been happening haven’t happened in a while because we weren’t able to gather in groups for a time and there are many areas of our parish that could use a volunteer “shot in the arm.” We are, along with so many other parishes, rebuilding and rejuvenating parish life. I think that we could have a picture, not of Uncle Sam, but of Jesus, pointing at us simply saying, “I want you.”

  And not just does Jesus want you and need you, but we as a parish want and need you as well. Over the upcoming year, we are going to be looking for ways to help make us aware of the needs that are out there and the ways that we might be able to help meet them. Some possible ideas that were thrown around at our meeting include inviting members of the various groups and organizations in the parish to share a bit about themselves at Mass, highlighting different areas of need in the bulletin, and hosting some type of a Ministry Fair.

  It’s our hope that many of the events that we were used to will happen again and our ministry involvement will grow, but that won’t happen without each and every one of us. Not everyone will be able to help meet every need, but we invite you to consider how you might be able to use your gifts and talents to enhance our parish life. Watch and listen for ways that you might help!

  Have a blessed week!