Denomination: Roman Catholic
Come Encounter Christ, Joyfully Share His Love, Go Make Disciples
First, we want to become a place where we, along with our friends and family members, Come Encounter Christ. This encounter with God happens at Mass, or during parish events or courses. In particular, the Alpha course allows those who have no experience of God to encounter Jesus. As Pope Benedict once wrote, “Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with… a Person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.” When we encounter Jesus Christ in a personal way, it changes everything.
Next, we Joyfully Share His Love. As a parish family, we grow by coming together, learning our faith, and serving our community in love. As Christians, we are never “finished” — there are always more ways for us to grow and share! Saint Thomas More has lots of opportunities for faith formation and service.
Finally, we Go Make Disciples. These were Jesus’ last words to the Apostles before he ascended to heaven (Mt. 28:19), and they are the mission statement for the whole Church. When encounter Christ and share in His love, we then invite others to come encounter Him as well. Instead of focusing inwardly on ourselves, we become a parish that intentionally focuses on the mission of bringing Jesus to the world and vice versa.
We are excited to implement this new vision with you, and are eager to hear your ideas and have your help moving our parish from maintenance to mission.
Before I close, I couldn’t write this letter without expressing my overwhelming gratitude to all those who have spent decades generously supporting this parish with their time, talents and treasures. I pray that God may bless you and your loved ones, and reward you abundantly.
God bless,
Becca Arend
Pastoral Associate
First, we want to become a place where we, along with our friends and family members, Come Encounter Christ. This encounter with God happens at Mass, or during parish events or courses. In particular, the Alpha course allows those who have no experience of God to encounter Jesus. As Pope Benedict once wrote, “Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with… a Person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.” When we encounter Jesus Christ in a personal way, it changes everything.
Next, we Joyfully Share His Love. As a parish family, we grow by coming together, learning our faith, and serving our community in love. As Christians, we are never “finished” — there are always more ways for us to grow and share! Saint Thomas More has lots of opportunities for faith formation and service.
Finally, we Go Make Disciples. These were Jesus’ last words to the Apostles before he ascended to heaven (Mt. 28:19), and they are the mission statement for the whole Church. When encounter Christ and share in His love, we then invite others to come encounter Him as well. Instead of focusing inwardly on ourselves, we become a parish that intentionally focuses on the mission of bringing Jesus to the world and vice versa.
We are excited to implement this new vision with you, and are eager to hear your ideas and have your help moving our parish from maintenance to mission.
Before I close, I couldn’t write this letter without expressing my overwhelming gratitude to all those who have spent decades generously supporting this parish with their time, talents and treasures. I pray that God may bless you and your loved ones, and reward you abundantly.
God bless,
Becca Arend
Pastoral Associate
