Our Charismatic Parish has closed & our Charismatic pastor is gone he had been with us for over 4 years. I sat through the homily of our new Pastor today-mourning or moaning9?) He was sharing his loss of what has been familiar to him in the past 30 yrs. at the tail end or our Diocese. I couldn't help but reflect upon our losses, and I include the people of our parish that was over the past 28yrs. Our losses, "let me count the ways", kept running through my spirit.
1. Out last pastor who was baptized in the Spirit as he came to be our Pastor, on the very 1st day, who came into a more personal relationship with God, was used in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and developed a life in the Holy Spirit, renewed.
2. Prophetic word gifts that came freely & flowing after reception of Holy Communion at different times,which gave direction, consolation and peace, words of comfort, and words of correction.
3. Praise and worship music, spontaneous praise, unity of worship and deeper worship over the years. Gifts of music from three music groups that led praise and worship, mixtures of young children learning to sing the Psalm responses, confidence in singing in front of the congregation,solos. A men's music group that led us into deep worship and praise.
4. Our Liturgy, full of the presence of God, His nearness so tangible.
5. Gifts of Service from so many in music, Cross-bearers, Candle-bearers, altar servers, lectors, and Extra-ordinary Ministers of Communion and Offertory gift-bearers of families taking turns doing this service. Service to our handicapped parishioners, and homebound at times. Taking meals to new-mothers & their families.
6. Monthly Socials with refreshments of various beverages, bagels, and doughnuts, times of fellowships, families volunteering together to serve the rest of the parishioners during the Social. Times of getting to know one another and meeting any new parishioners. Times of gathering for cake and punch, with families whose members celebrated the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation each year.
7. Monthly Holy Hours with Confessions; monthly Prayer teams after Mass who would pray with others in need with many various concerns, healings.
8. Visiting Priests to say Mass when our Pastor had to be away, or other priests con-celebrating, joining in with the Praise and Worship, to bring honor & glory to God.
9. Our Yearly Parish Picnic, praying together, eating together, kids enjoying activities such as swimming, volleyball, the older men & younger men playing basketball together. The other adults socializing, family members from out of town reconnecting with others from the Parish.
10. Evangelizing new members in the RCIA program. Celebrating the Sacraments through Baptisms, 1st Holy Communion, Confirmations, Marriage and mourning the loss of dear friends through suffering and death.
11. Our life as Catholics and the Seasons of the Church, sharing our Lent, our Advent, celebrating the Birth of Our Lord, and our Holy Saturday Liturgy with gusto, exuberant Praise and being Easter People.
"O Lord, lead us, console us, it is a bitter & sweet time with the changes in our life, a new Pastor, new parishioners, and different ways in Liturgical celebration, little changes, annoying changes, fill us with understanding of your way."
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