How’s Your Social Life?
“Self-imposed solitude might just be the most important social fact of the 21st century in America.” (Derek Thompson, “The Anti-Social Century”, in the February issue of The Atlantic).
That quote really caught my attention. In it, Thompson summed up a concerning trend. Many people have reduced their out-of-home socializing over the past couple of decades. Rather than go out to eat, or to a movie, or to church, or whatever—people might stay home to eat, watch television, or scroll on their phones.
I’m not saying that home, television, or phones are intrinsically bad. I enjoy my downtime; I find my phone useful. It’s more that modern technology has made it easy to reduce the social connections so common in the 20th Century.
Pop quiz: when was the last time you went out to eat with friends? Saw a play, movie or concert in person—with friends, not at home?
I’m glad that St. Matt’s offers social opportunities. For example, there seems to be more and more socializing after Mass. That’s a healthy trend!
Here’s a plug for additional social events at St. Matt’s: next weekend (Jan. 25-26), we’re hosting “Soup and Stories” after the Saturday 4:15 p.m. Mass, and again after the Sunday 10:15 a.m. Mass. See the insert for details.
We have other social opportunities, such as Coffee Sundays, Lenten Fish Fries, and Bingo; Parish Council, Finance Council, Rosary Society, Men’s Club, Youth Group, the craft group, music and liturgy, office volunteers, and more.
If you’re interested in an activity not listed, what is it? Let me know, or talk to a Parish Council member this weekend.
I believe that God so loved the world that God sent Jesus to us, in person. I suppose God could have waited a couple of thousand years and sent an email, or a YouTube link. I’m glad that God didn’t. Humans are social creatures. I think it’s good to worship together—and to socialize with others.
Have a great week! Thank you for your support!
Phil Grant, Administrator
Safe Environment Coordinator
651-224-9793
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