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Recently, there was a meme on social media showing the devil taunting God. The devil says, “I have closed down every church in the world.” God replies, “Yes, but I have opened one up in every home.” While we cannot be physically present in our church buildings, our homes have recently become the places where we worship God and live our Christian lives. Certainly, this should be taking place in our homes already. Although, the COVID-19 situation causes us to be more intentional in this regard and present circumstances place a greater emphasis on the domestic church.
Well, what does the devil have to say now that our church buildings and our homes are open for worship? There is no question that the faith and spirit in the Diocese of Metuchen are alive and vibrant. Among the many reasons and examples of this are the following three.
Mass attendance is steadily increasing. While maintaining the health and safety of everyone is primary, by practicing social distancing and the respective guidelines, Mass attendance has been steadily increasing from the time public worship was allowed last June, to Christmas, to Ash Wednesday and most recently Easter. As previously written and stated by Bishop James F. Checchio in this year’s appeal video, “The real presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament is what people need, that is how we are transformed and sent to serve those in need.”
In my most recent experiences, to sit in the homes of some of our parishioners, wearing masks and social distancing of course, are personal (in person) encounters that have not happened in more than a year. While I was there to assist with facilitating gifts to this year’s appeal, which only took a few minutes, it was the time it took to eat breakfast and have a cup of coffee that was most meaningful. Learning about one’s family and background is always a blessing. When someone shares with me or anyone their personal faith journey and formation that should give us all hope and inspiration that together we can achieve our mission and together we are indeed strengthening our Church. These personal experiences are motivating reminders that we are all being called in different ways and at different times to make Christ known in our diocese and in our parishes, to bring Christ to those who need Him the most and to do this by making ministry possible.
Then there is the fact that this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal is off to a stronger and higher start than we have had in many years. This year’s appeal is at 52 percent of its $7.2 million goal. Thank you to all who have sacrificed their time and financial resources so that we can be intentional and effective in bringing people to Jesus Christ. The last 14 months, as well as our present Easter season, have been times for us to reflect on our own blessings and to share those blessings so that we can support initiatives, services and the spiritual needs to all, most especially to those impacted by the current crisis.
With so many people in need right now, please consider a sacrificial gift to this year’s appeal. Consider a gift of sacrifice through prayer and reflection, to the best of your means. With so many people negatively impacted by COVID-19, it is important to give people the opportunity to be a part of this mission, our faith and the work of God. Please consider supporting this year’s appeal by responding to the most recent mailing or by making an online pledge at https://diometuchen.org/BAA. All funds raised through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal are used to support the ministries and programs of the Diocese of Metuchen.
Please know we are praying for the safety of you and your loved ones, as well as for all impacted by the pandemic crisis.
Prayer intentions can be sent to: https://diometuchen.org/prayer-intention.
Tom Smith is director, diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development