At the beginning of June, the parish staff at St. Anthony of Padua attended a parish renewal conference called Rebuilt. Held at the Church of the Nativity, a Catholic parish in Timonium, MD, the staff returned with renewed energy and full hearts to serve the Lord and make disciples.
Father Tony shares the following letter to the community:
“Dear Friends,
I, along with some of the parish staff, attended a parish renewal conference at the Church of the Nativity, a Catholic parish in Timonium, Maryland. The conference was called Rebuilt – over 800 parish leaders from across the nation attended. After two full days of worshipping, learning, and conversing, it was a great reminder that our faith is truly alive and that Catholic churches can grow! The theme of the conference was “Can You Imagine…“
This theme got me thinking… At St. Anthony:
Can you imagine… having our pews full every weekend?
Can you imagine… having at least three young people serving the Lord at His altar during every Mass?
Can you imagine… many people eager to proclaim God’s Word as a lector?
Can you imagine… children excited to hear God’s Word proclaimed especially for them every weekend through Children’s Liturgy of the Word?
Can you imagine… a full schedule of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to generously share the Bread of Life?
Can you imagine… a large choir of young vocalists and instrumentalists praising God in song?
Can you imagine… having technology ministers to enhance our worship experience through technology, not only here in our church but also for the homebound?
Can you imagine… hospitality ministers serving refreshments year-round to foster community-building?
Can you imagine… greeters welcoming you and visitors both at the doors and even out in the parking lot?
Can you imagine all of this happening at St. Anthony? I can because I saw it in action at the Church of the Nativity. The Rebuilt Conference showed me that anything is possible with God’s help, and I know that the Spirit is alive and moving here at St. Anthony. Everyone is gifted by God; therefore, everyone needs to use their talents in service of the Gospel.
Over the next few months, we will be discerning and praying about how we can build up our parish through our various ministries. Throughout the summer, please pray for our parish that we will be attentive to the Spirit, and pray for yourself to be open to God’s personal call for you to share your talents.”