October 22, 2023
Long before cell phones and social media provided us with much-too-much instantaneous information, there was the parish bulletin as the source of all news and local happenings. My Mom read it religiously each week, no pun intended. Sometimes, it was chock-full of interesting parish updates and upcoming events; other weeks, it was hardly worth the paper it was printed on.
During my freshman year of college – when I was barely hanging onto my faith – my Mom brought the bulletin to the dining room table one Sunday after Mass, and she opened it to a block of newsprint that she herself clearly circled with a bright green Magic Marker: “Wanted: catechist aide to assist two elementary students with special needs. Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7.”
Mom looks at me, and simply says: “You should do this.” (There was really no ‘should’ about it!)
I was hesitant of course, but in truth, I was at a point in my life when I was looking for some way to give back and move beyond myself. This seemed like a good start.
Looking back at that time, I can see now how God used the opportunity to work with two very special young people as a way to open so many future doors for me along my journey, the most important of which was a genuine engagement with my parish church and my Catholic faith. Volunteering made Christ present, because He allowed me to see the ways in which He was using me to make a difference in the lives of others.
This coming Saturday October 28th, as we celebrate the patronal Feast of St. Jude, please come, and celebrate a special Mass at 10:00am and then join us for fellowship afterwards as we take the time to honor everyone in our parish community who has given of their time and talent to make a difference in our parish and wider Cecil County community. From the Christmas Bazaar, Golf Committee and Outreach volunteers to those who stuff envelopes and lick stamps for various parish mailings, we here at Immaculate Conception thank God for the countless ways you give of yourself to make a difference in Jesus’ Name. We wouldn’t be who we are as a Church without you.
What better way to say “thank you” than coming together for Eucharist as a community? Looking forward to seeing you this Saturday morning!