Dear Faithful of St. Michael Parish,

Over the past year, we have had to adjust our lives to many things beyond our control and everyone has had moments of fear, frustration, hope and joy. We know this has also been true in parish life. We are certain that Jesus Christ is truly alive in the Holy Eucharist and in the life of his Bride the Church here on earth. Now is time for us to keep moving, discerning and acting on how we all can best serve Him in our lives and the life of our parish. 

We must live and serve Jesus Christ, regardless of COVID, a growing secular world with so much of humanity angry and despising their neighbor.  Let us renew our baptismal promises and serve Jesus Christ in his Church and one another in 2021.

Over the next two weeks, I ask you to pray and think about how you would like to do this and consider your talents and time right now; not last year, not a year from now, but now. If you find yourself unable to continue participation in a particular ministry, you have different interests, or would like to try something new; I encourage you to make that change. If you are interested in starting a new parish ministry to help others and improve parish life, let us know. Please also consider the impact of this past year on parish life. Due to health reasons, many of our members cannot join us right now. We need to think of continuing ways to reach out and minister to them. Fr. Jones and I, along with our homebound eucharistic ministers, bring communion to them. Fr. Jones and I anoint them, but should there be an organized ministry of “checking on our neighbor”? Over the next few weeks, we will try to give some details of the many opportunities for involvement currently available via our social media and published bulletin. Nonetheless, if you “see” something you think may advance the love of Jesus Christ in our parish life, then let us  know by sending an email or calling me, Fr. Jones or Amanda Crutchfield here at the parish office (mfarmer@mobarch.org, fr.abjones@gmail.com , acrutchfield@stmichaelsauburn.com). Also, feel free to approach the members of the Parish Council. 

In March, we will provide a Stewardship of Time pledge form and ask that you and your family members pledge some time to a ministry of the parish, or you may be just the person to help organize a new ministry. You could choose a corporal work of mercy ministry such as St. Vincent DePaul Ministry, Parish Family Assistance Ministry, Altar Care, Security Volunteer, or helping to plant seasonal flowers around the parish grounds. You may prefer to participate in a spiritual work of mercy such as teaching in our Religious Education program, basic evangelization through helping with RCIA, or befriending someone searching for faith. Our homebound parishioners could participate in a prayer network, where petitions and requested intentions are offered every day. Again, this a time to pray and discern what you can give in time and talent for building up the Body of Christ. Everyone has some time and talent they can give.

I ask everyone to complete the pledge of time form and return it to the office by HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021, an important day in which the universal Church celebrates the institution of the Eucharist and the universal call to serving each other. Then, in April, as we celebrate the 50 days of Easter, we will be contacting you, if not already, on how to participate in the ministry you have pledged a one-year commitment. Next year, if you want to continue in that ministry, you may recommit or decide to try something new. 

Thank you for taking the time to discern and pledge your time commitment. It is time for us to move forward with the mission of Jesus Christ.   

Sincerely in Christ,

Pastor