Call to Serve
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From Our Pastor
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Grace and peace in the Lord’s name.
I am calling the parish to the renewal of its most vital activity, the celebration of Holy Eucharist. I ask men and women to join me in serving Our Lord Jesus Christ at his banquet table, our altar, in his Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Proclaim God’s Word!
Offer Holy Communion to God’s people!
Sing songs of joy and praise of God!
Welcome and safeguard God’s people!
Our parish members need to observe. Open your eyes to what is happening. Discern what is true in the life of our faith community and in your own heart. You love St. Philip the Apostle parish. And mysteriously, it takes God’s love and the love of many others to nourish your very own love. Reflect on the meaning of your own call, your own yes, your own service in God’s household. You have only to recall your sacramental promises to visibly witness your love to God.
Your full participation in our celebrations of Mass is the fruit of a tree carefully planted and nurtured over the years by prayer, commitment, and hard work, as it is in Catholic faith communities all over the world. You are reflective because you are a human being. To reflect is the “doing” of being fully human. Moreover, your Christian path of prayer and meditation sets you apart.
Reflect, that is to say, think again, just why and how Jesus Christ asks you to show your love. Consider how others are doing the same thing. Follow Jesus. Discern how Our Lord’s very own people need your help!GO UP to the hills and bring wood and build my house, that I may take pleasure in it, and
that I may appear in my glory, says the Lord. [Haggai 1:8]Jesus is Emmanuel, “God with us”. Therefore, trust Jesus in all things. Our Lord cares deeply for you with an everlasting love. You are entering an exciting time. Be more dependent on the Lord than ever. Be more attentive to God than you’ve ever been before.
Sincerely in the hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Your pastor,
Rev. Richard Barker
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