A Letter from Fr. Shea

Dear Friends

This year, we find ourselves beginning Lent, once again, amid uncertainties and disturbing local and global events. Just as the COVID 19 pandemic thankfully seems to be waning, another series of crises seems to loom over the horizon. The most significant of these is the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. All these uncertainties can be very discouraging, worrisome, and unsettling. 

While it's obvious that we are invited in a special way to offer prayers and sacrifices for an end to these global calamities, I think it is also very important for us to not fall into discouragement or despair over such events. One of the ways by which we remain hopeful and alive is to maintain a greater awareness of the presence of God in our lives.

The truth, my friends is that God is very much alive and active in our lives and in our world, despite these discouraging events. The key is to remain aware of that Divine presence in our lives. That can be very helpful as it is a source of inspiration and encouragement which gives us the energy to go on and respond appropriately to the event of our lives.

The Lenten practices of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving are very effective tools that can help us maintain an awareness of God's presence in our lives, and so are highly encouraged. I would also propose another wonderful way to maintain an awareness of God's presence this lent. Our parish is currently involved in the 3 Conversations initiative or the Faith Sharing Groups as it is also called. This provides a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow parishioners and share about how God is active in your life. It also gives you an opportunity to hear how God is active in the lives of other parishioners. You be surprised at the amazing ways God is at work in your life and in others.

The 3 conversations initiative also helps alleviate, any sense of isolation that discouraging events can sometimes engender. One gets to know their fellow parishioner in a deep and spiritual way. The end goal is to unleash a culture of genuine Christian discipleship where we are invested in each other's spiritual lives and this 3 Conversations initiative is a great start.

There you have it, my friends. If you are feeling concerned or discouraged by everyday events of life, maintain a greater awareness of God's presence. One of the concrete ways that can be done is to meet with your fellow parishioners and engage in the 3 conversations initiative. The conversations force you to dig into your own heart to become aware of how God is truly at work in you, but it also allows you to hear how God is truly at work in others. This is something we desperately need to hear these days. God bless.

Fr. Sheunesu Bowora