Paul Wilkes has written several books on Catholic Parishes and Parishioners. He is also the author of New Beginnings, a program of parish renewal. He finds that there are seven secrets of successful parishioners.

First, we must believe in the adventure of the Catholic Church. The successful parishioner is not afraid to risk, to innovate, to ask questions and is never satisfied with the status quo. “We’ve never done it before” or “it’s not in the budget” or not insurmountable barriers to living out what successful parishioners know is the gospel mandate to heal and serve and comfort and educate and evangelize. Successful parishes are not composed of parishioners who have settled into a safe comfort zone of the tried and true. They are up for the adventure and in the process, they derive an enormous amount of energy from being a Catholic in a parish. Yes, it is work, but they get a real kick out of it.

Second, we must believe in other parishioners. When Jesus looked upon his first disciples, they were neither the elite nor the educated. Yet they became religious giants that the look and trust of Christ told them they could be. The same is true in parishes. The successful parishioner looks out over the parish and sees untapped talents waiting to be summoned for whatever task is at hand. When this happens, parishioners begin to believe in themselves.

Third, the successful parishioner sees the parish as the spiritual epicenter of their life. The parish is a sturdy base of operations for the successful parishioner. The parish is the place where they are spiritually refreshed by participation in the liturgy or where they can go to spend some quiet time in prayer and reflection. The parish is also the place where they know goodness is valued, where they can easily speak about the challenges and beauties of life’s pilgrimage. To the successful parishioner, the parish is the Church. This does not take away from the universal Church of which we are all a part.

Fourth, the successful parishioner does not always have to win or be right. The successful parishioner cares too much about the parish to look upon it as a place where ego must triumph and be continually fed. While being a person who has strong opinions, ideas and feelings, the successful parishioner is also a team player. They know the wisdom of the group must often prevail over an individual’s passionate desires. Discernment, careful listening to others and charity come into play here. There must be room for the Holy Spirit to work.

Fifth, the successful parishioner is proud enough of the parish to represent it well. They are ambassadors for the parish. While admitting the parish still has so much more to do to meet the needs of its people, the community and the world, they speak in positive terms about what their parish is doing. The successful parishioner is not shy about proclaiming they are Catholic and living out their Catholicism in a specific place. In the “good old days” in San Francisco, when someone asked where you lived, you named your parish. “I live in …”.

Sixth, the successful parishioner is not a member but a disciple. Membership has a static tone to successful parishioners...it is not good enough just to be members. Successful parishioners would be the last ones to call themselves disciples, but that is who they are. They are trying to live a life that mirrors the life of Christ. Discipleship, not membership, characterizes how they choose to live a Catholic life within their parish and in their every day lives.

Finally, the successful parishioner believes in the power of prayer and the Eucharist. This is the most important. It is the foundation of the successful parishioner’s life. Prayer erupts from their aching hearts, hearts that want to be closer to God and to heal a broken world. The Eucharist provides the necessary and rich food for the journey of life. Successful parishioners know well their sins and shortcomings. But they also understand that the love of God transcends all their failings and the Eucharist is a testament to a love that will never abandon them.

Let us take a little time this week and each week to appreciate God who is mighty who does great things for us.

The choir is planning a beginning of the year party to be held Sun., Sept. 12th, from 1-3 p.m. at Hennessy Hall. There will be food and music. This will be a chance to welcome anyone interested in singing or playing for any of the liturgies. There is no need to bring anything but yourselves. The choirs will supply all the food and may have a few musical surprises.

The Adult Choir singing at the 9:30 a.m. Mass is ready to begin a new year raising their voices in praise. You don’t need to be a ‘professional' singer, but simply someone who enjoys singing and has a willingness to praise God in song. Rehearsals are every Wed. from 7-9 p.m., and our first rehearsal will be on Wed., Sept. 8th. We are going to be rehearsing music for Advent and Christmas soon, and would love to invite new members to help us make these seasons truly joyous! On Sunday, we gather at 9 a.m. to warm up prior to the 9:30 a.m. Mass.

Although we would welcome you to join us throughout the year, if you can not make that commitment, we would be happy for your to sing for Nov. and Dec. in preparation for Christmas. We are going to be planning a midnight mass with much beautiful and festive music.

I would also like to to invite any in our congregation who play instruments to come join us. We are always looking for instrumentalists to help accompanying the choir or play for any of the liturgies.

For more information, or to join us contact Kevin Imbimbo, or just come by the organ and see me after Mass. Even if you’re not sure if you can sing with us, we still want to see you on Sept. 12th after the 11:30 a.m. Mass for

We would like to invite all the parents of preschool children, including infants and toddlers, to a social event and you can bring your babies. This is your chance to meet other parents and have a good time. Some adults and teens will be available to help supervise the children.

A mini-pot luck is planned. We will provide the wine, water and soft drinks; you provide your favorite dish: salad, prepared entrée, dessert or snack for about 6 people. Please bring ready to serve items as we do not have access to the kitchen. With any luck we’ll make a mini-meal. If you won’t have time to prepare anything, that’s okay too, you’ll just have to provide the conversation.

Parents are asked to bring a toy for their child to play with during the session. Please no balls or weapons.

Last time there were 25 families present, we would like to see more this time. Single parents with children are encouraged to join us as well.

If an adult or teen would like to help chaperone the little ones while their parents socialize, please contact Deacon Duffey, we could use your help.