Whenever a poll is done on any subject and the results are a low percentage, that usually is bad news for somebody or something. The hopes (of some people) are that is will rise. That is certainly the case when it comes to the percentage of Catholics who say they truly believe in the "Real Presence" of Jesus in the Eucharist. Of course, any poll has to be evaluated when it comes to who was polled, whether, in this case, it was practicing Catholics or those who have Catholic roots but are not attending Mass much, it at all. I would certainly hope that the percentages would be higher among those who make it a practice and priority to participate in Mass and receive the blessings of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Another poll number that is often thrown around, in a general sort of way, is how many people in ANY given organization, including church congregations, take an active role in the workings of the group. In terms of a church congregation there is the percentage of those on the rolls as members who at least come to Mass on a somewhat regular basis. Usually that number is around 30% or lower in many congregations. I would honestly (and happily) say that the percentage at our parish is higher than the average parish and, for that, I am very thankful and know many people are blessed by their putting God as a priority in this important way.
Admittedly, I believe the percentage of our parishioners who participate beyond attending Mass is not much higher than the 15-20% that is quoted as the ones who "do all the work", whether it be ours or any parish, or other organization. The challenge is always there to get that number higher.
In this weeks column, I want to encourage and invite more participation in our liturgical ministries as it has the potential to be much higher that other ways of participating in ministries and activities of the parish. Today's particular pleas from me is for altar servers at the weekend Masses (weekday Masses too). We are not only lookiing for men who might have the "experience" of serving Mass in their growing up years and those who haven't, but also women who probably didn't have the opportunity when growing up, but do now! Many churches have many young people who can participate in this ministry and plenty to take over for those who quit. That is not the case here! PLEASE consider this ministry if you are physically able (There is no age limit)! Al Hanschmann, (847-977-1789) will train you and we will accommodate whatever Mass or Masses you are williing to serve. In my 12 years of being an altar server growing up, I felt more in touch with the Mass and it seemed to go faster when I was on the altar "doing something" for the priest rather than being confined in the pew! We need you, so, PLEASE, answer the call.
Another poll number that is often thrown around, in a general sort of way, is how many people in ANY given organization, including church congregations, take an active role in the workings of the group. In terms of a church congregation there is the percentage of those on the rolls as members who at least come to Mass on a somewhat regular basis. Usually that number is around 30% or lower in many congregations. I would honestly (and happily) say that the percentage at our parish is higher than the average parish and, for that, I am very thankful and know many people are blessed by their putting God as a priority in this important way.
Admittedly, I believe the percentage of our parishioners who participate beyond attending Mass is not much higher than the 15-20% that is quoted as the ones who "do all the work", whether it be ours or any parish, or other organization. The challenge is always there to get that number higher.
In this weeks column, I want to encourage and invite more participation in our liturgical ministries as it has the potential to be much higher that other ways of participating in ministries and activities of the parish. Today's particular pleas from me is for altar servers at the weekend Masses (weekday Masses too). We are not only lookiing for men who might have the "experience" of serving Mass in their growing up years and those who haven't, but also women who probably didn't have the opportunity when growing up, but do now! Many churches have many young people who can participate in this ministry and plenty to take over for those who quit. That is not the case here! PLEASE consider this ministry if you are physically able (There is no age limit)! Al Hanschmann, (847-977-1789) will train you and we will accommodate whatever Mass or Masses you are williing to serve. In my 12 years of being an altar server growing up, I felt more in touch with the Mass and it seemed to go faster when I was on the altar "doing something" for the priest rather than being confined in the pew! We need you, so, PLEASE, answer the call.