Ashes and Justice

Dear Friends,

Recently I read of a program entitled "Walking Wet." It was being presented in a local church as an enrichment tool during the season of Lent. Basically it offered the participants an opportunity to think about their Baptism and its implications in their lives. I’m sure that anyone who takes a moment to reflect upon life and how Baptism fits into it, would come away with some awesome thoughts. The most awesome of thoughts would be "what difference does it make?" If anyone says, "none," then we have some work to do!

Here at St. Mary's parish, we try to provide opportunities to "walk wet." During this solemn season of Lent there are hundreds of people who gather for daily Mass at 6:45 and 8:30 am. What a terrific way to start the day but they made a commitment after receiving the mark of the ashes on their foreheads that this year, life would he different for them. Hundreds more of our young people will fill their "love loaves" with change that will make a difference in other lives such as those in poverty in Haiti, or those homeless in 5ri lanka or Louisville, Kentucky. Still others will dig deep to give generously to the PARTNERS IN CHARITY APPEAL, formerly the Bishop’s Fund, which will support our Church’s charity, its works of education and Christian formation in the Diocese of Worcester. That powerful witness to faith is done through our good stewardship - others will use their time and talent to bring the healing touch of Jesus to our brothers and sisters who suffer from social injustice in our very midst. Some of our people have lived through decades of Lents, saving their prayers, making the Stations of the Cross, doing their fasting and their almsgiving. This year we need in addition to sensitize ourselves to those structures in our society which foster social injustice. It is not enough to give my old clothing to the homeless; I also need to ask, "Why is there homelessness?" It is not enough to give food to the hungry; I need to ask, "Why is there hunger in this land of plenty?" It is not enough to welcome minorities to our neighborhood; we need to ask, "Why do people discriminate in a church which calls us all to be brothers and sisters to one another?" There is always so much more to be done to make a difference and to be aware of our social sins!

St Mary's Parish has grown and changed! In my 13 years as Pastor the number of registered families has increased by over 700 families. The 2800 families residing in Shrewsbuty that are of Catholic roots look at this church as their place to celebrate the sacred moments of life. Not all are faithful to weekly Mass, not all contribute to the works of Jesus in our midst or support omit works of education and charity - but all have a faith in Jesus Christ that needs to be constantly nourished. That is why the Church in America is celebrating the YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST. This awesome gift shared - is what brings us humbly together in our simple surroundings at St. Mary's Church. This is where the word of God challenges us to be aware of social injustice and then, to go forth and do something about it! May Jesus and His mother guide us on our way. Have a terrific Lent.

FATHER PAUL