Pastor’s Corner — December 25th, 2022
Recent Testimonies of God’s Love
One of our core strategies of our parish is “Encounter the Love of God”, which means that in the events we host and how we conduct them we intentionally help people encounter God’s love in a personal and life-transforming way. Our staff have heard powerful testimonies from fall events that host prayer sessions for people to encounter God’s love in events such as Alpha, Undone Retreat, the Walking with Purpose Retreat and the Outpouring Night. Here is an excerpt of a testimony from a parishioner who also is in her first year of Encounter School of Ministry:
By the following week, I was privileged to attend the Undone retreat. The Lord sure knows how to provide what you need at just the right time. Had I not just encountered what I had the weeks prior, I would have never had such a profound experience at Undone. It significantly helped me understand the how/why of my wounds and is helping me untie the knots; knots that I wasn’t even aware were there, holding me hostage in so many ways. Again, I was able to go to confession and felt that it was the “best” reconciliation experience I ever had. I couldn’t wait to go, and felt elated when I finished.
In early November, my husband and several friends independently let me know they felt something was “different” about me. I am usually a positive, happy individual but they sensed I was “glowing” and even more “joy-filled.”
I was so elated about the activation of spiritual gifts in my life and my more intimate relationship with the Lord, that I was delighted when I saw that St. Pat’s was offering Outpouring, A Night of Prayer for the parishioners. I wanted my [husband] to have this experience. We had been out of town when this took place in the spring, so we were excited about attending. Fr. Mathias, and the testimonies provided, indicated that you can’t get too much of the Holy Spirit. So, in addition to [my husband] receiving prayer ministry, I went too. This time I approached prayer ministry with gratefulness for what I have been receiving, along with a desire for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I desire to be His temple, a vessel to bring heaven to earth, for His glory. The same manifestations I felt on Oct 31st [At Encounter Ministries] took place but in addition, that evening I rested in the Spirit. What a time of peace and light. I heard God gently but lovingly chuckle, “Finally…. after almost 70 years, you surrendered!” Now I am even more committed and excited to boldly use the spiritual gifts/charisms I have been privilege to receive; in any way He desires them to be used.
I wish I could publish all of the testimonies people have given us. God is good.
Last Week’s Advent Concert Was a Big Success
Last Friday’s Advent concert was really special. Not only did we have multiple Catholic churches contributing to our concert, we also had other Christian denominations involved too! Believe it or not I was nervous to sing that song. (Everyone was so gracious to clap when I was done, hehe). The evening was simply beautiful, deeply prayerful and a moving example of how we as a community of faith celebrate God’s love together. Special thanks to all of the parish musicians who made this possible and for Jenni Curtin, Steve Royal and Michael Ebaugh whose leadership was essential to making this a big success. One woman, who has been a parishioner at St. Pat’s for 36 years, said this was the best concert we’ve ever had. Hopefully by the time you read this the video of the concert will be posted on our YouTube page. (We had/have some copyright items to address before the songs are posted online)
Merry Christmas!
The baby Jesus in the manger reminds us how humble our God is and how desirous he is of a relationship with us. He didn’t come for himself. He came for us. He came that you and I might know who we are and who he is so that that we might live with him forever. Nothing on earth is stronger than his love! No matter what has happened this past year in your life, no matter how dark it may have been, the Light of the World revealed through this little child has the power to scatter the darkness now and for eternity. May we allow him to love us more deeply and call us to a greater humility that not only recognizes that he is our Savior King, but also the fulfillment of our deepest desires.
Thank You
Fr. Miguel and I are very grateful for the cookies, the food and drinks, and the cards that so many of you have given to us. Thank you so much! We are so blessed to be a part of this parish family and please know the love is mutual. Merry Christmas!
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Mathias