Christmas in June

Sunday evening we went to the 99 Restaurant with the Young Adult Choir from the 5:30 Mass. It was a Christmas present from a very special, supportive couple who regularly attends that Mass. After weeks of snow storms, unavailability of some of the participants, and various other excuses, we finally had our Christmas present in June. Actually it was May 31st, but Christmas in June sounds more distinctive. It was a fun time for everyone. It was a chance to get to know the person that sings next to you a little more and develop a closer community that cares about one another.

One thing I always encourage the Confirmation class is to get involved in the Mass. If you sing, why not sing with the group. They have a lot of fun together. If you like speaking, become a lector. It can be very powerful and inspiring to the person who is doing the reading and if it is done well, the Spirit inspires the whole congregation. There is always a need for ushers. If you are someone who likes to help people, it’s a perfect ministry. There are also the altar servers, most of whom get involved in the fourth grade. Just last week was “Hail and Farewell” for the senior altar servers. The Seniors passed on the Master of Ceremony stole to the soon to be seniors. It is inspiring to have so many MCs on the altar. It also looks good on you college application. There are many ministries one can get involved with. The more you participate in the Mass or other parish ministries, the more you receive. You also get to know like-minded people who have similar values to you and are supportive. Community is important.

Young people will stay in the church when they are drawn into a community of faith. ECHO (Encountering Christ in Others) is a perfect example of that. Those who have gone on an ECHO (a religious weekend for teenagers) tend to stay involved in the Church because of both the faith that it inspires and the community that it develops. Youth that join a church choir feel like they have a purpose and contribute something important to the celebration of Mass. The congregation is inspired by their beautiful, enthusiastic singing.

 Thank you Dave and Cheryl for a Christmas in June and a reminder that a faith community brings like-minded people together in a positive setting to help us become a better, more loving person.

Deacon Greg Beckel