“We are in the time of action-the time in which to put to use the gifts of God not for ourselves, but for Him, for the Church, for others, the time during which always to try to increase the good in the world....It is important not to close in upon oneself, burying one's talent, one’s own spiritual, intellectual, material riches, everything that the Lord has given us, but to open oneself, to be in solidarity, to be attentive to the other.”

Pope Francis
April 25, 2013

Now that we are all back at it, I’m ready to roll out our parish theme “Reaching up, Reaching out, Reaching in!” and our stewardship appeal “Take the Next Step: One plus Three.” Over a year ago, our parish leadership presented to you the “Take the Next Step” appeal. Your response was generous. Our new appeal is an invitation to live a fully participatory and active life as a Catholic at Holy Family. 

We are obligated to participate in Mass and worship on Sunday each week. We give at least ONE hour each week, but what would our parish look like if we each committed to live and give just slightly more.

Enter Take the Next Step: One plus Three. What if each of us were to take a step into an attitude of stewardship - sharing our gifts with others - with another three hours over the course of the month? The goal is for each of us to choose a way to

Reach Up - intentionally worshiping and growing in our faith,
Reach Out - intentionally giving of ourselves beyond our parish community and
Reach in - intentionally welcoming others to our Sunday worship.

All of this flows from being disciples of Jesus - the example and a source of grace for us to live out our prayer, service and hospitality. This is just the introduction. I hope to clarify and build as we unwrap this invitation over the next month.

O Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from you. My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to you. My Lord and my God, detach me from myself to give my all to you.

-St. Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487)