When introducing the Maria Goretti Ministry to St. Martha’s parish this weekend I proclaimed it is a new SOCIAL JUSTICE program serving to heal the wounded spirit. Speaking in front of the parish after all six Masses yielded an overwhelming response ofsurvivors.
For some it was easy to come up to the table and introduce themselves asking more about how the meeting would go, for others they would smile, pick up a flyer and or business card and walk away. There were many who sauntered by, slyly picking up a business card and walked away. No matter their comfort level my heart soared for each survivor who made that first step out and gather that information so they could know more about the meeting. It was the few that passed the table with the speed of a jack rabbit as if it were on fire yet managed to look me in the eye who I prayed for throughout the day.
It really is a true catch-22. I am elated to offer a ministry that is apparently going to fulfill a great need and yet knowing the need is so great makes my heart heavy. At the end of the weekend we were out of flyers and business cards.
This is the response from ONE PARISH, imagine the response you would have at YOUR PARISH. I know God is working out the intricate details to maneuver this program into every parish. I ask for your prayers that we can get this before the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, so that we can begin to offer healing to survivors and in turn empower the CHURCH.
Ephesians 5:6-14
Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. So do not be associated with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light,for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them,for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says:
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”
Blessings!
Shannon