The Climate We Create Together
October in Central New York brings plenty of changes. The leaves change color, the temperatures begin to fall, and before long, we're debating when to turn on the heat! But while we cannot control the temperature outside, we have a great deal to say about the climate inside our parish.
Every parish has a climate. And every parishioner helps set it.
Last weekend, I reflected on one of the central convictions of Vision 2031: A Parish on Mission: “Hospitality is not merely something we do. It is who we are.”
Throughout our visioning process, hospitality emerged as a particular charism of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish. This is not something we are starting from scratch. It is a gift God has already blessed us with, and one I witness regularly in the generosity, kindness, and genuine care our parishioners show one another. We have much to be grateful for!
But like any gift, hospitality is something we must intentionally nurture.
St. Paul reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and to “encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
I love how practical those words are. Our faith is reflected not only in what we believe, but in the spirit we bring to our everyday encounters. And that matters in parish life.
We all have difficult days. Sometimes we arrive at church carrying frustrations, worries, or burdens that others may know nothing about. That is part of being human, and our parish should always be a place where people find compassion and understanding.
At the same time, our words and attitudes help shape the atmosphere around us. A passing remark or small frustration might seem harmless, but repeated often enough, such things can quietly influence the culture of a community. Thankfully, the same is true of gratitude, encouragement, and kindness!
Of course, there will always be things we can improve. I'm fairly certain we'll never achieve unanimous agreement on the church thermostat! And that's okay. A healthy parish welcomes thoughtful questions, concerns, and suggestions. I certainly do. When offered with charity, through appropriate channels, and with a genuine desire to help, they make us stronger.
A parish is not simply a place we attend; it is a family we belong to and a mission we share. God has entrusted this spiritual home to all of us. We are not simply consumers of parish life; we are participants in the mission of Christ. So when we notice something that could be better, let us approach it with the heart of someone who loves this parish, cares about its future, and is willing to ask, "How might I be part of the solution?"
I want us to continue building a parish where people feel welcomed, appreciated, and genuinely at home. That responsibility belongs to all of us, myself included.
So here's a question worth carrying into the week:
Am I helping to create the kind of parish I hope others will experience?
We cannot control the changing seasons, but we can help shape the climate
of our parish. And no matter how cold it gets outside,
may the warmth of Christ always be felt inside.
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!