STEWARDSHIP—LIVING CHRISTIANITY [ RADICALLY]

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Every now and then I cry at Mass—not an all out cathartic cry, but tears gently rolling down my cheeks. An act of grace, I believe, and I listen closely for how God is speaking. A homily, a song, or God’s shining presence in those near me may evoke these tears; they may also find their origin in my memories. A recent trip to my “home” parish broke the dam.

Returning to my childhood parish’s feast day celebration reawakened my gratitude for the Catholic education I received, the faith community in which I was raised, and the foundation of faith central to my essence. I witnessed the next generation of students processing in and prayed that someday, if not now, they will appreciate the Catholic foundation for living imbued throughout their curriculum and be indelibly marked by the Two Greatest Commandments and the Beatitudes. I saw former classmates with their children, adults as elderly, and several battling serious illness still present for our parish feast. I looked at the stained glass window donated by my deceased grandparents and thought of the centrality of faith to their life and particularly the significance of this parish community. I contemplated those who built the church, sustained the church, and continue to love the parish. This Mass experience was a homecoming of sorts; generations gathered from near and far to witness to and celebrate the gift of faith and our faith community. I understood the words from “Communities of Salt and Light,” the bishop’s document on parishes: “The parish is where the Church lives. Parishes are communities of faith, of action, of hope. They are where the gospel is proclaimed and celebrated, where believers are formed and sent to renew the earth. Parishes are the home of the Christian community; they are the heart of our Church.”

Tears uncontrollably came and atypically lasted much of the Mass. These were tears of joy for the Body of Christ I was surrounded by, the Circle of Life for which I’m grateful to be a part of, and the Communion of Saints that carry each of us. Ninety minutes of pure grace for which I’m grateful.

Tirpak is a vicariate stewardship coordinator for the Archdiocese of Chicago. She may be reached at (312) 534-7713 or atirpak@archchicago.org.