Father Joe Sharmach - 'Why Renewal?'
Why do we need Renewal?
What are we doing here at Mission '75?
Let's renew what was begun at Vatican II!
Let's implement and put into effect the results of Vatican II!
We are on the road to the New Pentacost!
What could happen if we do this?
We could stop looking at a parish as a spiritual filling station!
Instead, it will become a community of worshippers working together in a family situation!
How do we treat worship?
We should stop looking at Mass as an obligation!
We should stop coming to Mass as private individuals!
Instead, we should come together to pray as God's Family!
Not just the priest, but also the congregation should have an active part!
When we sing at Mass, we should really pray what we sing!
We must involve ourselves spiritually, and emotionally!
Joy, friendship, and other human elements must be experienced deeply, along with the spiritual significance of the Mass!
The people of Saint Gerard's must become very involved with scripture study!
Old Testament: Psalms,Songs...
New Testament: Gospels, Acts,Letters...
We now have a new awareness of the power and presence of Jesus, and The Holy Spirit!
The Church gives us a pagentry of European religious tradition!
The Eucharist should be the center!
Surrounding this center are Charisms, and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit!
We must strive to know Jesus, and His Love, and the power and wisdom of The Holy Spirit!
Often, we keep our light hidden...
Christ says to let our light shine to all men!
We need to reach out to the parish, and the community, and show them God's Love!
Why do we renew?
It is a mystery of the realization of the Love of GOD!
Our Mission is the SPIRITUAL RENEWAL OF THE AMERICAN PARISH!
Our faith gives us freedom, and openness to experience Christ!
Our parishioners seem to feel unworthy of being touched by Christ!
Let's change this!
Spiritual Renewal is progressive!
Dogmas are not as important as what God really means to us!
We must share our faith and union with Christ!
We know that Mission '75 will be a very moving experience for all of you, and we hope that it will continue to renew, until the entire parish has been renewed!
This can only be done through Christ, and the guidance of The Holy Spirit!
We can't do it alone!