Pastor's Corner

Foster – Transform – Empower

09-22-2019Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

You may have noticed recently some staff members and parishioners wearing white Holy Family T-shirts with our new parish logo and wondered what the words on the back of the shirt mean. The words imprinted there are: Foster – Transform – Empower. It comes from our Holy Family Parish Vision Statement developed by our pastoral staff and endorsed by our Parish Pastoral Council. It can be found at the bottom of the Welcome Message page on the I'm New dropdown tab of our parish website.

Here it is and what it means:

Parish Vision Statement

Holy Family Parish aspires to be a community guided by the Holy Spirit that will:

  • Foster fullness of life in a personal relationship with Jesus.
  • Transform members into intentional disciples.
  • Empower them to make other disciples who love God and love neighbor.

As you can see these are action words, which connote movement. First, it depends on our docility to the Holy Spirit's inspiration, guidance and motivation to deepen our relationship with Jesus through regular participation in the Sacraments and personal prayer. This forms the foundation of a more meaningful, purposeful and fuller life that reflects the joy and peace of Christ. Second, with a dynamic personal relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit can work wonders transforming us into the image of Jesus, whereby we intentionally think with His mind, feel with His heart and love with His actions. Third, with the grace of the Holy Spirit alive within us, we are motivated and empowered to share what difference life in Christ makes in our lives and seek to convince others to become intentional disciples of Jesus, too.

So, now you know. You may want to keep this for reference since I understand it is a lot to take in and digest. And it will take a lifetime of continued perseverance. But, if you own this vision for yourself and seek to live by it, look out. Your life will never be the same!

God bless you!
Fr. Bob

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