We can accomplish so much being on the same team

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”- Helen Keller 
This quote from Helen Keller is applicable to every aspect of our life. As good Christian Stewards we know that just like every position is important in a football team, our involvement in the life of our parish and participation at Mass is equally significant. There is no I in TEAM!  
Look around at Mass and count how many people are involved, making sure the Mass is a beautiful celebration. Beyond the priest and altar servers are the ushers, choir, lectors and extraordinary ministers.  Don’t forget the people you don’t see. Someone set the altar, cleaned the linens, filled the holy water fonts, and prepared, printed and folded the bulletins.    
Does your parish have youth ministry programs? How many other ministries does your parish offer? There is a team of volunteers behind every ministry answering God’s call to use our gifts of talent 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. 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 are capable of taking up the collection, then join the ushers or greeters. 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 is someone at Mass who would be happy to help. All they need is your invitation and a little encouragement. The volunteer opportunities are endless! 
We are all on the same TEAM, a faith community, and together we can accomplish so much. 
“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.