We are a family of faith. In every family, each member has different roles and responsibilities. A family is there for support in good times and bad. That is no different in our family of faith.
We celebrate every stage of life in our parish with our family of faith. From baptisms and First Communions to Confirmation and weddings, our family of faith is there. When God calls a loved-one home to Heaven, it is our family of faith who comforts us as we grieve.
During Mass this Sunday, take note of how many people are involved, giving of their time, talent and treasure, to ensure the Mass is a beautiful celebration. Now, how many opportunities does your parish offer for Sunday Mass? Do the math … For every person you see serving at the Mass you attend there are that many more at every other Mass. Don’t forget about those who serve in all the other ministries offered at your parish. It takes the whole family of good stewards answering God’s call to use our gifts to serve others in our parish and in our community.
St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans that God blessed each of us with unique abilities and talents so we can share them to glorify the Lord. It takes all of us working together using our different gifts to be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth. As good stewards we are called to use our talents to do our part to shine the light of Christ in every aspect of our life.
If God entrusted you with musical talents, then make a joyful noise in the choir. If you are blessed with an abundance of patience and love for children, then volunteer to help with children’s religious education or lifeteen. If you have a voice for radio and no fear of reading in front of a crowd, then volunteer to lector. If you have a welcoming smile and don’t fear tripping while taking up the collection, then join the ushers or greeters. If you love to cook, volunteer to make a dish for the next bereavement dinner. If you feel called to a vocation, talk to your pastor.
It is also our responsibility to encourage and welcome others to use their talents to participate in the mission and ministry of the Church. There are people at your parish who would love to help. All they need is a personal invitation and a little inspiration. The volunteer opportunities are endless … remember we are one big family of faith!
“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” — Romans 12:6-8
— Shannon Roh is the Executive Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile.