One way we make a commitment to parish life.

The other day our parish held a special memorial mass for our parish families who have experienced a loss of child.  We had an incredible number of families present.  It was heartbreaking to hear parents share about their children.  What impressed me was the tremendous way that everyone gathered around one another to support each other, express encouragement and love to each other, and gently commend their children unto God.  It might sound odd to write about this in my column geared towards Commitment to Parish Life, but why I think this belongs in this space is that the families who came and those who lent support to one another in a very concrete manner are just one example of people who have made a commitment to our parish.  In times of loss, people in our parish do not need to stand alone.  People are willing and want to help others.  And so it reasons: the more people we have active and involved in the parish, the more we will be aware of those special needs, and the quicker will be able to respond.   In many ways active parishioners feel they are part of a larger family.  And they are.  Have you looked at your Commitment to Parish Life letter?  I invite you to make a commitment to the life and activity of the parish.  The return on your investment in St. Joseph the Worker will be great.  
Fr. Mike