Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Will was driving one day with his brother. Out of the blue sky, his brother turned towards him with a challenge. “Will, you’re the preacher. Cut the crap. In ten words, what do you preach?” 

Will’s grip on the wheel tightened. His brother had been in and out of rehab. He did not go to church. What could Will possibly say? He decided to say what he believed in his heart of hearts.

“We’re all bastards but God loves us anyway.” It wasn’t the poetry of King James. John 3:16 said it much better, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Will drove.

His brother stared hard at him, then nodded. “You still have two words.” (See “Brother to a Dragonfly” by Will D. Campbell.)

We believe that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. Or, as Will Campbell put it to his brother, “We’re all bastards but God loves us anyway.”

This is the time of year to renew our commitment to Nativity’s vision, to be A Welcoming Community of Believers. Our contribution to the Sunday collection supports our vision.

The purpose of Nativity Catholic Church is the same purpose Jesus gave to his apostles. “Go, make believers” (Matthew 28:18-20). The Roman Catholic Church goes to all nations and makes disciples of Jesus Christ.

This weekend, you should have received a letter and pledge card in the mail. One side of the card says, “I would like to find out more about (Choose One)….”

If you choose on the pledge card, “Sharing Our Faith,” you will get a phone call from JoAnn Elder, our Director of Faith Formation. She will help you consider whether you might help share our faith as a catechist, aide, or group leader. You might discern to help Jennifer Chellberg with our middle school and high school youth ministry or with young adults.

Our Faith Formation program forms mature Christian believers so that they can form their families in faith. For parents, we have faith formation on Sunday mornings in the Parish Center while their children meet in classrooms for catechesis. Men meet early on Thursday mornings before work to watch and discuss faith talks from “That Man Is You.” Daily Mass at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel, Eucharistic Adoration on First Friday mornings and Third Thursday evenings, and monthly meetings of the Carmelites form strong mature believers. 

Whether you give online or with offertory envelopes, complete the pledge card. Bring it to Mass and put it in the collection basket. You can also complete the pledge card on our website. Take part in our vision to be A Welcoming Community of Believers. 

In Christ

Father David