Our Ninety Day Journey to Conversion

Dear Parishioners of St. Gilbert,

Today is PENTECOST SUNDAY.  It is the Gift of the Holy Spirit which inspired and motivated the apostles.  The Spirit gave them the strength and courage to step out from their everyday activities and see themselves keeping alive the good works of Jesus – his ministry.  Today marks the end of our “Ninety Day Journey to Conversion”.  That same Spirit is inspiring us to examine what we do and to accept new challenges set before us.

This weekend we, as a parish, call on each individual to step out of your everyday activity and offer your Time, Talent and Service to keep alive the mission and ministry of Jesus in St. Gilbert’s.  It is your challenge – opportunity – to move our parish from being a good parish to becoming a Great Parish! 

Becoming a Great Parish is keeping the mission of Jesus alive today.  We invite you after Mass today to stop in the Parish Center to see all the ministries which make-up St. Gilbert Parish.  Be amazed by them.  But more importantly become a part of them!  Stop saying: “I’m too busy.  I have no time.”  If St. Gilbert Parish is a vital and crucial part of your life, how can you give back to God what you have received?  To re-phrase a famous quote: “Ask not what St. Gilbert’s can do for you.  Ask instead what you can do for St. Gilbert’s.”

If you missed the Ministry Fair today, stop at the information desk in the narthex next week and checkout all the ministry pamphlets at the kiosk.  Jump in!  Get involved!  You’ll be greatly blessed in return!

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“Thank You” for the special Buildings & Grounds collection challenge, two weeks ago, by the Knights of Columbus, to match the first $5,000.00.  You, in your generosity, contributed just over $6,000.00.  What a fantastic response!  And a tremendous “Thank You” to the Knights of Columbus who matched with $5,000.00!  We are grateful to the Knights and to you for your continued care of our parish facilities.

As you read in last week’s bulletin, the parish has incurred unexpected repairs over the past few months in excess of $16,000.00.  Your ongoing financial generosity in our second collection on the third weekend each month greatly assists the necessary repairs and maintenance of our buildings & grounds.  Many who have come before us have provided for our worship, educational and social needs.  It is our challenge to keep them in good condition for ourselves and those who will come after us.  Remember this in your financial generosity each month.

                                                                 Be Open to the Gift of the Spirit,

Fr. Gene

“There is a road meant for you to travel…
And as you say, “Yes”, letting me guide you,  I will be strength for the journey.”
(“Strength for the Journey” by Michael John Poirier, 1988)