It started out as a bit of a joke by someone as we were talking about themes for #iGiveCatholic this year. But it stuck with me. Got a light? The truth is that all the baptized have a light. My light as a priest is no different than the light of Christ shared with you at baptism. Our mission while on this earth is to share that light as best we can, spreading it near and far. Why? Because everyone deserves to shine.
Thanks to more than 300 donors, who raised upwards of $120,000, Mary, Queen of Peace will be sharing the light generously over the next year. These funds will support many ways we want to ignite the light of faith for those in our parish and in our community. For instance:
Alpha: This program, to be launched in January, invites you to come into a relaxed and non-judgmental atmosphere, a safe place for questions large and small. Each Tuesday night session will start with a meal – that’s 11 meals for 80 people each week. Your generosity will feed body and soul. You are helping to ignite many lights!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: This hands-on faith formation program for children is a beautiful way for little ones to encounter the Lord in scripture and liturgy. It will launch next school year and be available not only for our MQPCS children but for our Christ in the Chaos kids as well. You will be hearing more about it soon and will see just how beautifully the light of Christ will spread, thanks to you!
Order of Christian Initiation: We have more than 40 people coming into the Catholic Church at Easter, with 19 to be baptized. Your generosity will help surround them with all they need to continue to walk this journey of faith. You are igniting their light!
There are many more lights to be ignited, shared, and spread. The good news is that so many of you, by participating in #iGiveCatholic, have shown that your candles are burning brightly in the parish that is Mary, Queen of Peace. It was truly humbling to watch the donations rolling in on Giving Tuesday. Every donation was like a candle dispelling the darkness.
Got a light? You sure do! Keep shining, keep sharing, and keep spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ right here in our corner of the world.