Retirement?

Dear Missionary Disciples of Jesus Christ,

I see retirement as a beautiful spring that may or may not happen or last very long. I hope I'll experience it. (Retirement age for priests is 75.) Have you noticed, Jesus never talked about retirement? We are constantly called, as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, which, if you are reading this, you are, to serve.

Jesus expects us to dedicate our precious time, energy, and talents to help build up the Church, to "love one another" as He commanded, regardless of whether we are retired from a job or a career. At SFB parish, we have incredible people who give of themselves to help continue Jesus' commission. To that end, we would like to express our sincere gratitude.

We are hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday, September 9th, for anyone who volunteers for our parish, serves on a committee, or helps with ministries and programs, from 6 pm to 8 pm. We look forward to celebrating your service and dedication at this special event. Open to the first 200 RSVPs. Information on how to RSVP along with more details will be available soon.

I have heard parishioners say it's the same old people volunteering for this ministry or that activity. Together let's change that. When you serve the parish, you serve the mission of the Church; you serve Jesus Christ. Yes, even volunteering and participating in any of the Parish events is serving; it is discipleship. Your service is not just a task, but a vital part of our community's growth and the fulfillment of our mission. What is our mission? The mission of Jesus Christ is, in a word, Salvation.

Serving helps build community and enriches your own life, enabling you to help others become Missionary Disciples of Christ. What is a Missionary Disciple of Jesus Christ? One who loves Jesus and strives to carry out his mission. SFB Parish offers numerous opportunities to get involved. Never underestimate the power of your service. I encourage you to start today.

Peace,

Father Maassen

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Dear Missionary Disciples of Jesus Christ, Before you hit send, is this an act of love? Before you say what you are about to say, is this an act of love? This is especially true on e-mails and social media. There are countless scripture quotes on how to treat other people, your neighbor, and even your enemies. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" Luke 6:27. "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you... For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?” Matt 5:44. "And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them" Luke 6:31. There are many more Scripture passages on how we are to treat our neighbor and even our enemies. Jesus does not condition loving anyone on whether we agree with them on any issue. Jesus does not condition any of these commands on whether we are angry or not. Jesus’ commands are unconditional. As Catholics, as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to rise above our anger and disagreements and treat one another with love. This does not mean we have to agree. It does mean we are to love. I also encourage you to talk face-to-face with someone you are angry with or disagree with; this takes courage and is the loving way. The following is right out of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 2477 and 2478): Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. He becomes guilty: of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor; of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another's faults and failing to persons who did not know them; concerning them. I will end this letter with an incredibly challenging quote from Dorothy Day: "I really only love God as much as the person I love the least." Peace, Father Maassen