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Dear Friends, This week I want to use this space to talk to you about the community building, the atmosphere of family that I sense while working among you. So, with some trepidation, I take pen in hand—actually I have turned on the computer, hence the high level of trepidation! Three of my five daughters work with computers daily and the youngest a couple of times each week. Not one of them complains about the little creature who lives in her computer; perhaps they have trained theirs to do as they are told-mine is quite unruly and strong willed and often does not follow my instructions at all well! When you read this I will have just returned from three days spent learning to train my computer to do as told! We’ll see. The gentleman who installed our bulletin program attached to the computer a hold card of Michael the Archangel-the same "Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people" spoken of in the first reading today. It’s probably Michael the Archangel who keeps my little computer from misbehaving more outrageously. The Festival is over, Grandparents’ Day has been celebrated, several adults are beginning to share their faith journey in R.C.I.A., Kindergarten Parents have started their faith formation classes, the All Hallows Eve Mass and the Halloween Party were enjoyed and so the community building at St. Robert’s continues. A feeling of community, of family is of vital importance if a parish is to be a healthy, happy one. It’s sometimes difficult to feel like members of the same family when you think in terms of 2,257 brothers and sisters (the number of registered families at St. Robert’s); but when you think of the other 5 families in your small group or even 100 families in a somewhat larger group, it’s easier to build relationships and feel like a member of the family. Pope John Paul II has set the stage for a big family celebration for the year 2000 - Renew 2000. There will be those who decide that the world is coming to an end, just as in previous centuries. However, as stated in the Gospel today, "...As to the exact day or hour, no one knows it, neither the angels in heaven nor even the Son, but only the Father." Take advantage of this time to meet some more "family", to build a stronger community. Use the groups you presently belong to or join other groups to participate in the great celebration. The Gospel also says, "...the heavens and the earth will pass away, but my words will not." During this time of Renew 2000 we have the wonderful opportunity to become more familiar with the Word, by studying the scriptures. Continue building the Family of St. Robert’s! Sincerely, |
