Dear Notre Dame Parish Family,
In this Sunday’s Gospel from Matthew, Jesus is teaching His disciples and says to them “You are the salt of the earth…you are the light of the world.” The word disciple is derived from the Latin discipulus which means “one who learns.” Very simply, to be a disciple, one must sit at the feet of and learn from the teacher. Then to actually be the salt and the light as Jesus instructs, His disciples need to not only “hear” His words, but also live them out in their daily lives.
As Christians, we are called to act, to serve and to assist Jesus in His work of salvation here on earth. Rather than keeping our light to ourselves or hiding it all together, we are called to shine it brightly to the world. As Christ’s disciples we must be ready to act and serve in tangible ways…ways that will save lives and lead souls to Him. We must be prepared to become small (in humility) but act in big ways that will unleash His Truth, Beauty, and Goodness to all those we encounter.
I want to ask you to serve the children, youth and families of our parish by simply (and humbly) praying for their continued spiritual growth. This year Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Children’s Faith Formation and Youth Ministry have flourished with over 500 students attending our programs. With more students attending than ever before, Wednesday nights on campus are full of life! Our classrooms, atriums and the Youth Room are filled with the love of Jesus as we explore our Catholic faith with the young Church. I also invite all parishioners to our monthly XLT (short for "exalt") nights of message, worship and adoration. It is a sight to see over 90 high school students, and many parents, kneeling before our Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Keep an eye on the bulletin for information about our next XLT.
Please pray for the 70 children who are preparing now to receive their First Holy Eucharist in April. At our first Reconciliation service in January, we were joined by Bishop Gary Janak and Sister Ana Cecilia who shared her joy for the Lord through her music. Bishop Gary spoke to the families about the importance of praying together as a family and listening to God’s call for our lives. May the hearts of these children, and families, be open to the truth of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist - body, blood, soul & divinity - as they prepare now to receive this beautiful gift in the sacrament.
I also ask you to pray for the 46 high school students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation to be celebrated in March. In a special way we ask for your prayers next weekend, as we will be on our Life Teen Winter Retreat. Our Retreat theme, “Always Forward” will help these young men and women to commit to moving forward toward complete union with the Father - guided by the Holy Spirit - and to understand how Jesus accompanies them on the journey. In the words of St. Junipero Serra, “Siempre adelante,nunca atras,” which translates to “Always forward, never back!”
It is a pleasure and blessing to serve alongside our team and catechists here at Notre Dame. Thank you for your prayerful support.
In Jesus,
Wyatt Wentrcek
Director of Faith Formation & Youth Ministry