A Message from Our Pastor, Fr. Ed Murphy

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Welcome to St. Patrick’s Family of Faith.

St. Patrick’s Parish is a Stewardship Parish. In October I described to the stewardship council what I believe this means….. Stewardship is…. BASIC Christian values. The desire to share our ABILITIES with others is the foundation of our faith and church.

After a few more months here at St. Patrick’s I continue to reflect on what our Stewardship foundation really stands for and I can now honestly say my beliefs and definition of Stewardship have been reaffirmed. I initially struggled with the term Stewardship because a label creates boundaries and fences. I have come to realize that Stewardship is simply an attempt to label the acts of Christianity that have no limitations.

I believe in Christian kindness whether it is labeled Stewardship or simply called Christianity.   Stewardship is a response to God. Understanding Stewardship comprehends the generosity of God. Simply put Stewardship is sincere kindness and the sharing of our time, talents and treasure. Stewardship is NOT for personal glory. It is not a Neon sign we place at our doors or over our heads. It is purely letting the light of Christ shine through us and brightening the paths of others in any form we are capable of.

Stewardship is not a church program; it is a way of life. It is the exchange of a smile to a stranger; it is the donation of funds or resources to help those in need; it is displaying patience to differing views; it is helping the lady across the street; it is even hopping in my car in the middle of the night to respond to a hospital call for support!

At a recent meeting we all expressed our unified belief that Stewardship is a way of life not just reserved for our Parish, but to be shared throughout our family, community and life. Stewardship is not what we write about but is what we do and who we are. The volunteers here at St Patrick’s are the tangible display of Stewardship in this Parish.  Stewardship is all encompassing. It comes from the heart and flows into our actions with family, friends, co-workers and strangers. It is living and believing in the words of 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13: love is patient, love is kind, love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude but rejoices in the truth. Stewardship is being filled with the Spirit and fulfilling the words of the Prophet Isaiah. Bring good news to the poor sight to the blind and release to the captives-the works of mercy.

Each of us has our own purpose and direction in our lives. Hopefully, all of us have the same goal: to be a faithful servant of God walking his talk while on Earth! Stewardship is a conversion of heart. It is a way of life. I am aspiring to live it; are you?

Peace,
 
Fr. Ed Murphy
Pastor