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April 18, 2024This past week I, Stephen, and some members of the parish traveled to Hamden Connecticut to join with other parishes that are actively engaging in parish renewal using the Divine Renovation Model. This model was developed by a priest in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
We went there to help more of our parishioners understand what it is we are trying to do as we work to restore the church in this parish and others. The three keys to this movement are simple, but not easy. They focus on the primacy of evangelization, the development of leaders, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us. Drawing all those together are the sacrament, prayer, and worship.
We are seeking to help others come to know Jesus, have a relationship with him, and commit their lives to discipleship, that is to follow and serve Jesus in the context of their lives.
The primary tool of evangelization that we use is Alpha. This is the 11-week course that allows seekers and questioners to come and ask and seek whether and how God is calling them. The team, which consists of alpha alumni, is present to ensure that there is room for discussion and no shame in asking questions. This type of open dialogue has fostered growth in both parts of our communities. The Holy Spirit is at work, and we see how people’s lives change both in the manner of their participation in the church and also in their commitment to give witness to Jesus in the rest of their lives. Alpha helps all those who participate as leaders of discussion to help others see how all of us are called to be evangelizers and that both listening and speaking are part of this process.
The development of leadership is the next key part of this movement. Over the time I have been here, I have tried to call forth those who are committed disciples and who want to serve by being leaders by participating and being leaders of ministries. The leadership we try to model is based on humble service to the mission. It originates from our call as baptized Christians in imitation of Jesus who was a priest, prophet, and king. We exercise our leadership when we participate in leading others to Jesus.
Finally, and most importantly, we rely and trust upon the action of the Holy Spirit in our lives to enflame the hearts of all to move and motivate us to follow the will of God. We spend a lot of time in prayer and then act. It is again an imitation of Jesus, and we hope that it will (and we have seen) bears fruit in the parish.
Please continue to pray for the parish and that the Holy Spirit continues to guide us and protect us. Lately, I have been asking all the people I visit at home to pray every day at 3:00 PM for the parish. I do not have a specific prayer, so whatever prayer you have is sufficient. Even just one Our Father will be enough, but some are offering rosaries, litanies, and vocal prayers. Some are asking for the intercession of Mary and the saints, and others are asking for the Holy Spirit. All of the prayers, we hope, will help us to grow as missionaries, evangelizers, and healers here in Salem.
Alpha report. This past week we had 20 guests who attended the Alpha evening. We will now continue with the team and the guests who are present. We hope that more people will attend our fall Alpha.
Catholic appeal numbers. We are at 74% of our goal with 129 donors who raised a total of $37,357.00. These are the latest numbers. Thank you to all who have been faithful in contributing.
Peace,
Father Murray
Building news: We continue with the work on the front and rear walls of the church. We also have done some work on the hall at Saint James to minimize some of the echoes that we experience in that space. By moving curtains around, we have seen how the noise from echoes is reduced.
