Faith in Action

9/20/2012

How will you use your gifts to be Faith in Action?

During our September GIFT we asked the question above. Here are some of your answers;

Be more present for people in need and available to give back whenever asked.

Not be selfish. Use kind words to others.

Be Kind.

I will be helpful with homework and housework.

By sharing myself with others in faith.

Being an example for our grandchildren.

I'll be nice to my mother.

Be nice to my daddy.

To let my children know they are always loved!

How about you? How will you use your gifts?

4 Comments

Fr. Mark link

9/21/2012 01:41:13 am

As one who facilitated the adult sessions, along with Ernest Charette, I was impressed to see the reaction to this question: What was the gift Jesus gave to Matthew the day He "called" him to follow? It was, of course, the gift of his life! God gave Matthew back the gift of life intended for him - and that changed everything about Matthew. We related as adults how our ongoing conversion happens precisely when we "get our life back" - from the mistakes we've made, from our sin or our selfishness. Then, we reflected just how important it is for the adults - as heads of their households of faith - to teach their children over a lifetime that God is waiting to restore life to them because of God's great love for all. That love, in Matthew and us, is what gives us all the grace to break down the walls which prejudice raises and then divides among us!

Maryanne

9/30/2012 10:47:43 am

I was struck by how hard it was for me, and perhaps others,to openly say what our gifts are in public, but may even feel more comfortable mentioning a weakness. There is a shyness about what we may think is a lack of humility, but is in fact necessary to examine to be able to be thankful for our gifts and think about how we can share them. I think the focus on finding the positive in family members and to tie this in with grace is perfect. I wish my grown children had had the GIFT program- thanks you!

Mark Hession

10/1/2012 06:07:09 am

Maryanne, thanks for your observation and comments. You're right - we don't let ourselves "feel" the gifts we are, let alone put them to as great a service as we might. I was struck, on the other hand, by the overwhelming kinds of gifts alive in the different sessions: the gifts of peoples various occupations - and what they mean for the commmunity as a whole; the gifts of our free asssociations and memberships which surely strengthen common life; the "fun things" we like to do that give us rest and refreshment; and, of course, those incredible "gifts from God:" patience, the ability to work with people who are different, sobriety, forgiveness ... to name just a few. One parishioner said, "I don't know why I liked this session, but I did?" I suspect it has to do with being affirmed, in faith, a faith that, upon deeper reflection, does justice.

Betty Anne Reilly link

11/2/2012 10:18:16 am

So glad to find this GIFT blog. Looking forward to getting together with OLV families later in the month. It's a great thing to bring generations in faith together to share a meal and exchange ideas. GIFT makes us feel that "all are welcome." Kids do say the darndest things and often come up with wise comments. I always think of the youngster who spoke of St. Teresa as "the patron of headaches and Spain." I'll never forget that. Looking forward to seeing all of you...Father Mark, Cathy, Bill, Charlene, Helen, Sandy, Susan and so many others next week. Betty Anne

Betty Anne

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