"Gifts received and gifts shared"by Bishop William S. Skylstad (From the Dec. 6, 2001 edition of the Inland Register)
As we observe the life of the Church in the diocese, we see many projects and ministries that are supported and continue because they are the work and the presence of the Church. The mission of education and outreach to those in need are very important ministries. Parishes update their facilities like the beautiful new social center of St. Patrick Parish in Walla Walla, and the soon to be completed hall of St. Mary of the Rosary Parish in Chewelah. Parishioners all over the diocese support their own local parishes, as well as the larger church, through our appeals and collections. We should always have that broader sense of looking beyond our own limited world to continue the mission Jesus has entrusted to us. I am most grateful to so many who continue to be very generous with their time and resources in support of the Church. There is no need to second-guess the roots of their spirituality. Our world continues to change, and the opportunities for following the Gospel command to love neighbor, if anything, increase. We have had a remarkable few years of building new facilities, such as the House of Charity and St. Margaret Shelter. St. Margaret is a place that welcomes homeless mothers, including birth mothers. The new facility is three times larger than the old St. Margaret. The new building was filled almost immediately. Ever since the opening over a year ago there has been a waiting list. The House of Charity replaces an old dilapidated facility that had serve its purpose well. The new facility, larger in size and planned specifically for its special mission, is a marvel of the coming together of parishes, the civic community, and many generous benefactors to make possible this a place of welcome and assistance. More recently, at the last Poor Man’s Meal, we blessed and dedicated the new chapel in the middle of the facility, where Mass is celebrated three times a week. The statistics of the new facility as compared to the old tell their own story. Look at these increases: meals, up 38 percent; clothing distributed, up 49 percent; the overnight sleeping program, up 60 percent; counseling, up 30 percent. The medical clinic, sponsored for decades by Sacred Heart Medical Center, sees over 200 patients a month. Traditionally in the diocese we have taken up a collection for the work of Catholic Charities at Christmas. Christmas is an opportune time to think not only of loved ones but be in solidarity with those in need. The needs are many, and I encourage you to be generous. It’s so easy during this Advent season to focus on our wants rather than our needs. The other day while in the car, I listened to a radio program in which the reporter asked the child what he wanted for Christmas. The little one rattled off a long list quickly. Even the reporter was a bit surprised. What truly are our needs? During Advent we have an opportune moment to assess our own spirituality of giving. It’s easy to cave in to the whim of our wants, but one of the most satisfying of human experiences is to cheerfully give, to be generous of heart. This is a good time to review our lifestyle by pulling out our checkbook. What expresses needs? How many items indicate only wants? I would suggest that there is no contest between what gives greater peacefulness and satisfaction: fulfilling wants or generously and cheerfully giving. Good stewardship and sacrificial giving need to be deeply rooted in our spirituality. Such spirituality is good for the soul, but just as importantly, it touches others in many ways, more than we can ever imagine. Such a lifestyle of giving is a constant legacy of planting seeds of love, care and concern on behalf of us, the Church community of parish and diocese. We do far more together than any sum of the parts we might do individually. The Advent season invites us to be even more sensitive to the coming of Jesus into our lives. May all of us, through our generosity, thoughtfulness, and sacrifice, be a light to our world. The light of the Infant’s love, emanating from a simple manger, embracing all of humanity, can shine in our day even more brightly through our witness and fidelity. May God grant us peace, joy, and good cheer.
Bishop Skylstad’s Schedule
Dec. 6: Business breakfast; Secretariat; Mass, Eastern State
Hospital; Immaculate Heart Retreat Center Director’s Club Dinner
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Thanksgiving, the beginning of
Advent, and the approach of Christmas all provide rich opportunities for reflection and review
of our
lives. As we have come to the beginning of a new liturgical year, we
have so much for which to be grateful. Foremost, we must be grateful
to God, who continues to bless us so richly. After these troubling
past few months, I think all of us have come to appreciate even more
the gift of our faith and the faith community of which we are a
part.