I’m a member of St. Joseph’s parish in Jacksonville, Fla. Part
of my work in the diocesan Ministry Formation Program is to write profiles of
ministries for the parish newspaper, Reflections,
to encourage more parishioners to become active and engaged. Newspaper profiles
are limited, though. You can’t talk back to a newspaper. But you can
talk back here. And you’ll probably get a reply – from me and hopefully other
readers.
Here’s the plan. I’ll preview each new Reflections profile here, preceded by a few insights, experiences,
and maybe a funny story or two that didn’t make it into the article. Since Reflections is only published three
times a year – Participation Sunday, and the Christmas and Easter editions –
I’ll also post my own thoughts, comments and observations about our Church, our
society, how they overlap, and how they often conflict with each other. But
mostly, I hope to hear your thoughts, comments and observations, too.
Here’s an example. My Communication Theory class recently
discussed how we Americans have transformed from 20th century citizens
to 21st century consumers, and how that connects with the ultimate gorging
of red-white-and-blue consumerism – Black Friday. The excuse for Black Friday
is, of course, Christmas shopping – which is what Christmas is all about,
right?
Some of the students blew me away with their attitudes and
experiences, including working marathon retail store shifts on Thanksgiving
weekend, how their families did or did not join in the all-night buying binges,
and how it all related to their understanding of Christmas. Maybe we can continue that
discussion so you can add your insights.
Feel free to start your own topics, too. The whole point is
to become active and engaged – both here and even in your own church. If you’re
interested in having some fun by offering opinions and arguing ideas, join the
site so you’ll know whenever a discussion gets going. I’ll post the first
profile – on music ministry – in the next few days.
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