“Celebrating Summer . . . in Church”
By Deacon Chuck Butler, July 2010
A few months ago, we witnessed the celebration of many
Sacraments that follow Easter— Baptism, First Reconciliation,
First Eucharist, and Confirmation.
The busyness of the school year and at work has been replaced
with vacations and long weekend trips, planning family picnics
and reunions, and sitting by the pool with friends to get caught
up on what’s happening in our lives.
In the summer, we find
any activity that allows us to spend more time with our family
and friends, to reconnect, and celebrate the gifts each person
brings to our lives.
There is one thing that never slows down, regardless of
season—the Sacramental life of the Church.
There are no vacations from reconciliation, or marriage, or
baptism. These continue on indefinitely and are always available
to you here at Prince of Peace.
Most importantly, each weekend, we offer you the opportunity to
celebrate the Sacrament of Eucharist with your faith community.
As St. Paul reminds us, the Eucharist allows us to be a
part of a bigger, more important family—the “Body of Christ”.
No matter how you look at it, summer is about reconnecting with
all of our “families”. And these face-to-face connections are an
important part of staying close to God our Father. One cannot
“go it alone”.
Just the other day, I had the privilege of planning the funeral
of a parishioner who, 39 summers ago, joined Prince of Peace
when we first opened our doors.
He and his family have touched many lives here along the
way—a kind smile when passing by, children growing up with our
church and participating in church activities and the
sacraments, volunteering in our many ministries, etc.. So many
fond memories came flooding back as people remembered.
This is an example of just how important the connections with
our faith community really are, even when we are separated by
miles and years, and in some cases, summer vacation.
The love of God connects us together for a lifetime.
Prince of Peace is now offering digital technology to bring you
important news and information—Facebook, Twitter, web site,
online database, e-mail, e-newsletters, digital signage, etc. We
are keeping up with technology to keep up with you.
While all these means of communication are important and help us
evangelize beyond our church walls, it’s what happens
inside these church
walls that really make a difference.
The greatest “social network” is Christ himself, who is
experienced at Mass through the Eucharist, side by side with our
brothers and sisters in Christ.
As a deacon, I can choose to counsel people in their time of
need via the phone, e-mail, or texting.
I can do my job without making it personal, even without
seeing you at all; but I can’t do it well.
I would rather look you in the eyes to see your grief or joy,
talk and pray with you side by side, and shake your hand and
give you a big hug of encouragement as you leave my office. This
is the personal touch that Christ has called us to give to each
member of his flock.
Nothing can ever replace
experiencing the face of Christ through his believers here on
earth, face to face.
Please join us this summer at Mass, and continue to experience
the love and joy of the Lord with your parish family at your
side. It’s the best connection you have to God, and it never
falls short.
Many blessings to you and your family this summer, and we’ll see
you on Sunday!
Deacon Chuck
“Your heavenly Father knows all that you need. Seek first his kingship over you, his way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:32-3)