Week 382

Positive post Sunday, June 23, 2024…. Week 382.  I’ve written several PPS articles on faith and the importance of going to church and serving others.  As I was preparing for this week’s PPS, I came across a shirt that had this simple yet powerful statement on it, “Don’t just go to church, be the church.  Do, give, teach, love”.  This really caught my attention and hit home with me.  It also reminded me of another saying I’ve heard several times, “Just because you go to church on Sunday does not make you a good Christian”.  The importance, value and impact of actively engaging in our churches and living a life of faith beyond those church doors has been the subject of many sermons, and a good reminder for us all to reflect on our faith journeys and seek opportunities to strengthen and expand our service to others in God’s name.

Our faith should not stop when we walk out the door after Mass, it should begin there!  Our faith and service to others should extend far beyond the hour or so we spend attending church services each week. There are countless opportunities to share and proclaim our faith in the way of time, talent, and treasure at church, in our communities, and yes even at work. 

I’m grateful for the many faithful servants of our Lord who volunteer numerous hours serving others (many of those I have tagged in this PPS are volunteers in their churches and communities).  Simply put, our churches and communities would not function without them.  I pray for, and wholeheartedly encourage, an increase in active participation and service within our churches and throughout the communities we live and work in.

I have been blessed to serve in so many ways, sharing my faith along the way as I have served others during Mass, at my church and in the communities I live and work in.  A few examples include serving as a Eucharistic Minister during Mass, leading as a Parish Council President in the past, serving on the Board of Directors at Goodwill Southern California (Link: Home – Goodwill Southern California (goodwillsocal.org)) and most recently sharing love, compassion and kindness as my brothers Jay McCall and Brian Cameron and I launch Bridge of Grace, inspiring youth and providing compassion to seniors.  Here’s the link About – Bridge of Grace.  I am so blessed and excited to see where our Lord guides us over these next few years!

Do you just go to church, or are you the church, doing, giving, teaching and loving others?

How do you live your faith outside of church services, serving at your church and in your community?