Are we up for the challenge?

My dear Friends in Christ,

In looking back at some of the theologians that I studied in Seminary, I came across a passage that Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote when explaining Jesus. He writes that “the call to follow Me was a call to absolute discipleship which comes at a high cost.” Maybe this is why many do not wish to drop everything, they simply do not want to pay the price. So many of us fall into that category. We would rather take matters into our own hands and go it alone. If anyone in this world was tempted to be a one-man show, it would have been Jesus. He could have done whatever He wanted because He was God after all. Jesus did not want to be alone. Jesus picked Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John to come and follow Him. The invitation offered to these fishermen is a testimony that there was something mesmerizing about His ministry which they wanted to be a part of. In surrendering to Jesus’ command, they would find great joy in taking the risk. Today, Jesus calls us to follow Him. Are we up for the challenge? Are we willing to take the risk without worrying about the cost?

The 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal for the Diocese of Trenton will end on January 31, 2023. Pledges will be accepted until this time and count toward our parish goal. Our goal was $50,000 of which $34,477 was pledged and $34,114.50 was collected, putting us at 68% of goal. Getting close but not quite there. The 2023 ACA rolls out in late February or early March.

May God Bless You All,

Father John