Stories
I’m glad that this weekend’s Masses lead to “Soup and Stories” about Fr. Steve Adrian, our long-time pastor, mentor and friend. We had a wonderful funeral Mass for him last month. Now it’s time to celebrate his life and legacy with a shared meal and shared memories. (Downstairs in our Social Hall. All are welcome.)
Stories inspire laughter, learning and love. Stories form friendships, communities and traditions. Story-telling is part of being human.
Lately, I’ve heard a few friends make defeatist talk. They point to the many, real problems in the world. Some bring up the change in presidency. Others wonder who has “the hope and courage necessary to motivate risky collective action for a more just society.”*
Seems to me Fr. Steve had hope and courage in abundance. I’ve heard many stories of his motivating this community to take risky collection action for a more just society. We’ll be hearing some of those stories this weekend.
And what motivated Fr. Steve to have his great hope and courage? Seems to me it was his Catholic faith, undergirded by deep learning, particularly of Scripture. And he clearly loved Mass, prayer and people. I recall his saying how he drew faith and courage from this community of St. Matt’s. I hope you do, too. I know I do.
So what do we do with our hope and courage in 2025? Let us:
▪ Share our stories of Fr. Steve and all who inspire us.
▪ Continue with our parish ministries, friendships, prayer and sacraments.
▪ Volunteer at St. Matt’s and elsewhere. What good works call to you this year?
* From the January 2025 issue of Commonweal. Commonweal was one of Fr. Steve’s favorite magazines. We’re starting a discussion group in February. Let me know if you’re interested.
Have a great week! Thank you for your support!
Phil Grant, Administrator
Safe Environment Coordinator
651-224-9793
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