Legacy: Preferential Option for the Young?

            A Legacy is what elders want to leave for their children and grandchildren, both actual and figurative.  We’ve referred to the “Legacy on the Rock” throughout the introduction, capital campaign, and construction process.
            And here we are, as a parish, on the verge of completing the most ambitious capital improvement project since the school building was built.  The addition and renovation of our church is stunning, welcoming, and uplifting!  This building takes its place as one of the architectural treasures of the community.  It’s all that we had hoped for, and more!  It’s a Legacy, all right, but for whom?
            The real renewal task is still before us:  how do we ensure that there is a Church (people) to inhabit the church (building) we’ve just completed?  How shall we open these beautiful new doors to the young, the alienated, the “nones,” the “fallen-away,” the marginalized...?  How shall we renew our parish community so that it invites and welcomes those who seek what is here? 
            Renewal includes change.  The very idea says that what has been, while valuable, is not enough, or is not working.  Our building was gutted before it was beautified.  The present becomes the foundation for the future.  And what the future will build on the foundation we provide will not be known to us.
            Fortunately, we don’t have to “gut” the parish community in order to renew it.  New initiatives in adult education, youth & young adult ministry, and the intentional development of parish ministries will all contribute to the renewal of our parish.
            But there is something immediate and visible that we can and must do, if our “Legacy” is to be left to anyone at all:  we need to ensure that our liturgical ministers — the people we see in leadership roles each week at Mass — look more like the population in the pews!  Today, it’s almost all-boomers, all the time.  (I’m one of them.)
            To these faithful elders, serving week after week:  Thank you, and don’t stop!  Your careful preparation and servant-presence are essential for the authentic worship of this community of faith.  But we must make room for not just the next generation, but the next two or three generations.           
            To those of Gen-X, Gen-Y, and Gen-Z:  Does it seem like there’s no room for you, because the boomers are doing everything all the time?  Maybe we forgot to say it, but we are waiting, hoping, and praying that you’ll step in!
            All of these ministries have room for you, if you feel called to one of them.  Please observe, think, pray, and then reach out for an immediate welcome and plenty of information.
Communion Ministers: 16 and up, confirmed, practicing Catholic.
Lectors: Confirmed, practicing Catholic.  (Yes, 12 or 13 and up!)
Ushers / Greeters:  Open to those of all ages.  Parents and their kids can work together in this.          
Servers:  Grade 5 & up, regularly attending Mass with family.
Liturgy of the Word for Children, Adult and Teen leaders:  Lead children to the chapel, lead prayers, read readings, guide a dialogue homily from notes provided.  Ages 11 & up, paired with adults.
All Ministries:  To learn more, email me:  rick.hardy@stpeter-douglas.org