Faith, Action, Joy and Service

I’ve been a parishioner at our wonderful Saint Ignatius Parish for more than twenty years. Over those years, I’ve had the pleasure of participating in various ministries including Eucharistic Ministry, Lector, Greeter, Parish Council and Leadership Commissions. In the early days I joined the Community Commission which was a great and fun experience. Afterwards, I began to feel a new calling — one that extended beyond our immediate parish community to those in most need of care and support: the poor, the homeless, immigrants, and those without the same opportunities that I’ve been given.

The Mercy & Justice Commission answered that call. Through my work there, I have been able to more fully align my faith and beliefs with action — living out the Gospels’ call to love our neighbor, seek justice, and serve those most vulnerable among us. My participation on the Mercy & Justice Commission has also been educational. I have gained an understanding of how essential its ministries are. More important than ever is the Solidarity Ministry which supports immigrant families within our community. I have also learned the significance of Laudato si’— Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the care for our common home and how caring for the fragile Earth is deeply rooted in our Catholic faith. The work of our Anti-Racism Committee has led me to participate in the Sacred Ground Series — an experience that once again helped me move from belief to action. It has been eye-opening 一 expanding my compassion, opening my heart, and gently encouraging me to look beyond myself and my own needs.

The Mercy & Justice Commission also helps to support those in need through programs such as Simple Needs, Advent Giving Tree, Shelter Meals Program and Las Vecinas de El Salvador. These ministries provide direct, meaningful and manageable ways to serve, allowing parishioners to respond to real needs with generosity and care. Leadership commission meetings begin with sharing a meal, followed by prayer, discernment and personal sharing before turning to the work at hand. This time together has fostered deep relationships and a true sense of community. Together we experience God through prayer, conversation and shared purpose. I’ll admit I once felt like this time slowed us down, but I now cherish it and recognize how essential it is in grounding our work in faith and mutual trust. My faith journey continues to unfold. With each volunteer position I have taken on, my faith has grown deeper. These experiences have connected me with so many remarkable parishioners — people who, like me, are seeking to know God more fully.

It’s been an honor to serve as a lay leader at St. Ignatius Parish. What began as a willingness to help and a desire to build community has evolved into a spiritual practice of faithful action and service. Being actively engaged with — and in service to — our community, and therefore to God, has enhanced my life and my relationship with God. It has deepened my conscious contact with Jesus, Mother Mary, and God our Heavenly Father. I encourage you to consider joining one of our commissions. I can promise you that the experience will draw you closer to God — and you’ll gain a whole new circle of friends along the way.

Christine Kennedy, member of Mercy & Justice Commission