We Are Family
A Snapshot of the Liturgical Ministries Workshop
The liturgical ministries of the Parish of the Holy Cross held a workshop on December
10, 2011, at Saint Teresa of Avila Church. Approximately 125 parishioners attended.
It was an inspirational and thought-
Fr. Marable was convener for the merger of two culturally unique parishes. He challenged everyone of the Parish of the Holy Cross to consider the fact that we say we are family, but we really are not. We need to be honest about our personal prejudices and stereotypes, face the fact that we do have them, and change the way we think, treat, and speak about people who are different. We need to learn intercultural competence and realize that we are one family in God, one family in our parish. We are, also, in essence, a reflection of our community – locally, nationally, and globally. We are the world.
The recent changes to the English version of the Roman missal take a giant step toward making our Church more unified in the truth that we are one, catholic, and apostolic church. It’s time we act like it. “I believe” forces each person to take responsibility for what Catholics call their faith. “I believe” challenges each person to walk the walk as well as talk the talk.
Small steps will complete a journey, and we at the Parish of the Holy Cross need to continue taking those little steps forward. A simple smile goes a long way to making someone feel welcome. The liturgical ministers, deacons, and priests promise to set an example through deed and word, not only within their ministries, but outside as well. By remembering that all people are blessed with gifts and talents to make our Church and our parish more vibrant, we can grow in our faith, strengthen our faith, and share our faith in true catholic, universal, manner.
Thanks to Fran Ferrara for contributing these photos.