Too much technology, too little time...

Hi one and all and sorry for the delay in today's blogging...I know all three of you who visit were on the edge of your seats waiting for today's installment (just kidding, I'm pretty sure there are at least ten!).
I was remiss in posting this morning, but I have a good excuse as I was attending our biweekly Parish Staff meeting. It's always an eye opening experience.

For anyone, like me, who's ever sat in a pew on Sunday and grumbled at the state of something in your home parish (the decor, the music, your pastor's sermon, the constant pleas for money), you should spend a day working in your parish office. I recently accepted a part time job at my church to help rebuild our parish web site. My duties include attending the staff meeting, so that's where I spent close to three hours this morning. I know most of our parish staff, but I guess I never really clued into what a hard working and dedicated bunch of individuals they are until I had a chance to see them in action. Our parish is blessedly huge - over 5,000 families, so we have a large staff. The work they put in, the issues they have to deal with, and the struggles they face are largely unseen by the average parishioner. They are overworked, underpaid, and incredibly dedicated to their jobs.

I've resigned myself to the fact that my pastor will likely never remember my name, but now I have a better idea of the demands he faces each week in his ministry, the many challenges (spiritually, emotionally, financially, and physically) in his path, and his tremendous love for his congregation.

I concluded this morning that I have not been praying hard enough for him and for the other priests of our parish. I'm committing myself to this goal and inviting each of you to pray for those who minister to you each week. Let's all lift them up in prayer, remember to publicly thank them, and look for ways to lighten their loads through the sharing of our time, talent and treasure.