Sunday, May 8, 2016

Bulletin Article: 5-8-16 (History, Present and Future of Koochiching)

Living in Koochiching county we have several challenges...  Our economy is tough.  We have fewer people living here, fewer children, and fewer jobs.  Northern Minnesota can be difficult to live in.

When I think of our family at St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Columban, I think about a strong walleye in a river.  It must swim deep in the cool water.  It must stay alive and create its next generation.

In Luke 5:4, Jesus said to Peter, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”  Jesus added in Luke 5:10: “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.”  We must welcome people to our family.  We must “catch” brothers and sisters to Jesus Christ, our savior into his family.

How do we do this as Catholics in Koochiching county?Stewardship: time, talent and treasure.

TIME: Volunteers who visit the elderly, homebound, nursing homes, poor and sick
Volunteer your time in several committees: 
  • St. Columban: Finance Committee, Parish Council, religious education teachers, Funeral Group
  • St. Thomas Aquinas:  Parish Council, Financial Committee, Catholic Daughters, Knights, Funeral Group, Tabernacle, Worship Committee, Evangelization
  • St. Thomas Aquinas School: Marathon, Silent Auction, Raffle Calendar, Phone-A-Thon, School Council, Fundraising, Marketing, Advertising
TALENT: Volunteers who fix, paint, think for the future, marketing, advertising, prayer, discernment, lectors, servers, sacristans, singers, pianists, ushers, evangelization, welcoming 

TREASURE: Gifts from our plate at Masses, UCA, roof loan, heating/energy loan, tuition and scholarships for students at school, Phone-A-Thon, liturgy (new crucifix, stations, Gospel cover, flowers for Christmas and Easter)

Time, talent and treasure is shown by God to each person.  Maybe a young family doesn't have much money.... time or talent could be giving to our Church.  Does someone have more money but no time to help?  A quick check can support our budgets or buildings.  Does someone have a great talent?  Your gift to help is everything.

Finally, as a family we must brace the future while we remember history of our faith.  We must pray, discern and think in 2016 for new ways to help our family.  At the same time, we continue to carry the salvation of history of our God.  History, present and future, and Jesus Christ walks with us every second.  God Bless!

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