Blessed Sacrament Parish

Dear members of Blessed Sacrament Family,
 
Greetings of Peace, Hope and Joy to each one of you!
 
In our Diocese of Kalamazoo, on July 1, the new Pastoral Year begins. Even though we are going through extremely challenging days because of Covid-19, we are still filled with a deep sense of hope, gratitude and awe at the new opportunity to grow, as individuals and as families.
 
It is good to consider what makes a Parish Community truly vibrant. These considerations take on greater significance during these difficult days, because we have to make every effort to make sure that we, as a community, help everyone, especially the ‘most vulnerable’, to keep their faith and hope strong.
 
All who come to our Parish experience welcome and hospitality. Parish doors swing wide open to convey a hospitable spirit. The stranger becomes a guest. Those with different needs are accommodated.
Liturgy inspires active participation and offers an experience of God. Liturgical ministers are well formed in their roles, music moves the hearts and spirits of those who play, listen and sing, relevant preaching connected to the lives of the community touches hearts and sends all forth nourished.
Parishioners recognize their parish mission. Parishioners know who they are and who they are called to be. Their mission inspires and empowers them to be fully alive and passionate.
Collegial leadership is practiced. The Parish offers opportunities and responsibilities for many to take ownership of the mission and ministry of the parish.
Members are recognized as gifted and called forth to use their gifts. The Parish uses its stewardship process to identify and invite skills and talents. Parishioners’ sense of collaboration and initiative grows. The youth find a challenging and fulfilling space to grow joyfully.
 
Faith is nurtured. Whether it is education programs, seasonal missions, youth activities, programs for persons in various ages or walks of life, formation is an active and vital part of every facet of the parish.
Outreach to the body of Christ is practiced. A vibrant parish faces the world with all the agonies and challenges found among God’s people and responds. People who find themselves in need, lost, marginalized, vulnerable or sick are taken care of.
There is a plan for a sustainable and responsible future. Responsibility and accountability regarding all aspects of the parish is developed and conveyed as a result of planning.
Communal life abounds. A vibrant parish gathers people for study, outreach, formation and fun. These moments are integral to enabling members to connect and respond to one another.
My wishes and prayers for each one of you that together we may build a truly vibrant Parish Family.
 
In Christ,
Fr. Simon Manjooran