Easter II: Who is St. Mary's? (a follow-up)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.
                                                                 Hebrews 12:1-2a 

Last summer, a reading from Paul's letter to the Hebrews inspired my writing a series of 3 bulletin articles. 

Paul's counsel; that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses prompted me to consider:  "Who is St. Mary’s”?  

My conclusion was a parahrase of the words of St. Theresa of Calcutta:

St. Mary's is women and men, lay and ordained, living and deceased who have made a great impact "by doing many little things with great love."

The liturgies of this past Triduum weekend caused me to return to these thoughts.

On Holy Thursday twelve parishioners were selected to represent our ministries and have their feet washed.

I began playing the processional hymn and heard the voices of the singers coming clearly out of the speaker set right behind the organ bench.  Simultaneously, another sound, equally strong began to compete for my attention.  It was the many "little" voices of the congregation coming together to make one great sound.

As the weekend unfolded I came to see Easter as a great Christian family reunion.  Present were:

• The babies God has blessed us with in the past year. (A few of whom wearing bunny ears).

• The beautiful girls in bonnets and boys in shirts and ties who were babies of Easters past.

• The wonderful young men and ladies who served on the altar or  choir loft.  

• The compendium of greeters, lectors and eucharistic ministers from each of our 5 weekend liturgies (some of whom served together at the Sacred Triduum).

Just like in every family, there were new friends and family members we haven't seen in a while and some who may have been away this Easter.

All of these, including you and me are St. Mary's.  Together we are called and doing great things in Christ's name as we do many little things with great love.

Blessed to be serving at St. Mary's,

Bruce

p.s.

I am grateful for the welcome extended to myself and the singers by those who regularly attend the 7:30 a.m. liturgy.  It was wonderful to be with you!