Last Sunday we began our annual renewal of Catholic Stewardship of "time, talent and treasure." This weekend we are showing the following homemade video, produced by our parishioner, Mr. Stacy Lumley, at all our Masses during the homily time. Next Sunday I conclude with a stunning homily on Commitment Sunday! Our theme this year is Catholic Formation:
9 comments:
It's unfortunate that Stewardship Renewal fell on the day with such an important Gospel Reading. Jn 6:51-58 I think a lot of people would have got so much out of homily about this particular subject. When the polls indicate that so few Catholics actually still believe in the Real Presence these verses would have been so beneficial.
Of course the video did show our Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession (albeit in the Church) along with Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament at that event as well as adoration in our Adoration Chapel. Doesn't that support the Real Presence as described in Sunday's Gospel in action?
I like John 6.
I remember being a parishioner at St. Joseph's and having to endure these videos being played on a jumbo projection screen set up beside the altar.
While the videos are of good quality (despite the fact that the message contained therein is very annoying -- I am glad that I no longer have to hear about "time, talent, and treasure"), it is inappropriate to play a video at the altar during Mass. If it is to be shown at all, the video should be shown in the social hall following Mass.
But Lef! Time, talent and treasure properly taught mean following the Lord through the dictates of Scripture and Trafition. Surely you jest that you are annoyed by being taught to know, love and serve Jesus Christ through His tangible Body, the Church! Yes videos may be shown at Mass and yes Catjolics may choose not to care for these. As you know we only do it twice a year, one from the Bishop.
Father, I agree with the sentiment of the teaching; however, I tired very quickly with the way that it was presented. I understand that you want to present the idea that people should donate money and their efforts to the parish, and I agree with that goal, as I donated a bit of both (more efforts than money, admittedly) to St. Joseph. I am sure there are people that react very positively to the stewardship thing, but I am one of those that does not. I fully appreciate the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to getting people involved in a parish.
And I am aware that videos may be shown at Mass. It strikes me as sacrilegious to do so, whether it is this stewardship video or the video of the bishop asking for money. Why don't bishops write letters anymore? Anyway, I encountered more than one parishioner at your parish who was compelled to walk out of the Mass during these acts of perceived sacrilege. Again, I know you need to convey the message somehow, but showing the videos rubs me the wrong way.
God has given each of us a limited number of resources—in particular, time, money, talents, and energy. And we are commanded to be good stewards of each (cf. Ephesians 5:15.
The reason for the Stewardship Video is another best way to explain to people about what they are able to give in return to God and his Church for their time, talent, and treasures. Many parishes in may dioceses do what we do because some people are better in learning by visual tools. Others are by listening or reading. But sending letters might be a good idea but that takes time and a lot of money. Our Stewardship Video cost "Nothing." And I know some people do not read letters or bulletins because they think of it as a waste of time (and later some of those people who don't read it and then complain that they didn't know things were happening). Yes,some folks find the Stewardship Videos to be a distraction, but it is a necessary way to let people know about how they can support their home parish and diocese because it is very important! And yes it was during the homily, but it was inspiring on how we can better ourselves as Christians and support one another!
I'd probably show these videos before Mass begins, a homily seems an inappropriate time to show a video.
I don't mind them during Mass so much, its just that it interrupted a good Gospel reading. If it had been done on a Sunday when the Gospel was, say, The Widow's Mite or Mary and the Perfume, it might tie together. I know you can't plan the readings and this thing is annual but as mentioned, it is unfortunate that it fell on a Sunday that, to me, seems like an important Gospel reading in the year.
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