Those who minister to the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen would do well to mind Father Hank Hilton’s pithy advice to “Show up, shove over, shut down.”
Religious sisters from around the Diocese gathered in St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, Feb. 24 for a day which turned the tables on their ministry, encouraging those who give so much to instead reap the benefits of being on the receiving end of spiritual succor. Focused upon the visit of Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth while both awaited the births of their sons, “The Visitation, Community and Mercy” reminded attendees of the importance of tending to their own source of strength and faith in order to be most effective to all.
The program of readings, prayer, music, reflection, penance and the sacrifice of Holy Mass was the second of four such days organized to care for those who care for others.
Using a mix of observations on the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, along with anecdotes from his decades of service as a Jesuit, then diocesan priest, Father Hilton, pastor of the hosting parish, explored the three directives necessary for effective ministry – to show up, to shove over, and to shut down.
SHOW UP
Father Hilton reminded the assembled that sometimes, there is no need for great words of wisdom, just your presence is beneficial. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth was a moment of affirmation, he asserted.
“God gives you the grace to do to members of your community what Mary did for Elizabeth,” the priest said. “Notice the ways God helps you to just show up. It’s a great flow of mutual affirmation, an act of great generosity and complete joy.
“It’s not easy to just show up,” Father Hilton admitted. “I believe in you, I believe in your vocation. There is always someone with whom you need to spend a little more time.”
SHOVE OVER
When someone shows up unexpectantly, those already there have to make room for the newcomer. Sitting alongside someone, or going for a walk with them often prompts the most amazing discussions, the priest said.
“Take a chance and admit you don’t have all the answers. It’s about revelation,” he said. Reminding the congregation that Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months, he continued, “They probably had many ‘shove over’ moments, moments to tell the truth. Mary spills her guts to let Elizabeth know her relationship with God; she took a chance.”
Addressing the religious, Father Hilton continued, “It takes extraordinary generosity when you speak, and great generosity of those who listen.”
SHUT DOWN
Despite her obligations back home, Mary stayed with her cousin for three months; she stopped like nothing else mattered. Father Hilton recommended the religious to follow her example, to “just pay attention to you right now.”
A luncheon was held in the gaily decorated parish hall, which was adorned with multiple artistic depictions of the Visitation. Religious sisters celebrating milestone anniversaries were recognized during the luncheon.
Sister of Christian Charity Anna Nguyen, diocesan delegate for religious, explained the need for such gatherings for the many religious who serve the parishes, schools, retreat houses, social service agencies and administrative offices of the Diocese of Metuchen.
“Renewal is always so important,” Sister Anna began. “Our Church provides us with opportunities in Advent and Lent, the two times we gather for a chance of renewal and grace, to journey together as a community larger than our own. Our Diocese only has one way to go – that is, to our Heavenly Father – and will be accompanied by our Heavenly Mother, Mary of Nazareth. There is no other companion we would ever want for deepening conversion and renewal.”