The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Me: Building the Future Together
Dear Parish Family,
This Sunday we celebrate Catechetical Sunday and officially begin a new year of Faith Formation at every level of our parish. As I look at everything taking shape, I see much more than another year of programs beginning. I see another important step forward in the direction we are discerning together through Vision 2031: A Parish on Mission.
Vision 2031 asks us to look beyond the needs of today and prayerfully build the parish we hope to hand on tomorrow: a missionary, vibrant, and intergenerational community that forms disciples, strengthens families, accompanies young people, and equips people of every age to share the Gospel. Our catechetical mission is essential to that future.
This year's theme, “The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Me” (Luke 4:18), beautifully expresses that mission. Catechesis is more than communicating information about Catholicism. It helps people encounter Jesus Christ, become attentive to the Holy Spirit, and discover that they are called and sent to live the Gospel.
During this Year of Saint Francis, we also look to Saint Francis of Assisi as a powerful witness to what can happen when Christ transforms an entire life.
I am tremendously grateful for our Catechetical Team Dick Vetere, Jill Grise, and Will Anderson and our many volunteer catechists who have answered the call to serve. A catechist is more than a teacher. A catechist is a witness and companion in faith, helping others encounter Christ and learn to follow Him. At our 10:30 a.m. Mass this Sunday, we will call our catechists forward and ask God's blessing upon their ministry.
Parents, you remain the first and most influential catechists of your children. Our parish is here to accompany, encourage, and equip you in that sacred vocation.
There is tremendous momentum. Family Life Catechesis for Pre-K–Grade 6 strengthens faith in the home. Grades 7 & 8 continue formation through a special track integrated into Youth Ministry Nights. Grades 9 & 10 undertake our two-year journey toward Confirmation. And our renewed investment in Youth Ministry is creating even more opportunities for young people to encounter Christ and belong to His Church.
These are not disconnected programs. They are pieces of one vision: accompanying people through every stage of life toward deeper discipleship.
And every generation has something essential to contribute. Those who have carried the faith faithfully for decades possess wisdom and witness that cannot be replaced, just as our children and young families bring new life and hope. No generation builds the Church alone. We hand the faith from one generation to the next.
So perhaps Catechetical Sunday leaves each of us with a question: not simply, “What programs does my parish offer?” but “What part is God asking me to play in handing on the faith?”
May the Spirit of the Lord be upon us as we continue building that future together.
Your Servant in Christ,
Father Jason C. Hage, Pastor
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us!