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SERVICEby Wanda Scheuermann |
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| Why is there a lull in activities during the summer months
in many parishes? Why have so many parishes developed a school model for
planning the parish life? God still calls to the inner spirit of people
during summer. Hunger, loneliness, homelessness, hurt, pain, and despair
still exist in the summer. People get married. Babies are born. During
the summer, people still need to reach out to others, to rejoice and to
celebrate, to mourn and to be comforted. The lectionary readings for the
summer still challenge us to reach out.
How can parish life follow the direction set by the summer readings? Plan a "Good Samaritan" celebration for the second Sunday of July -- the spiritual equivalent of the "Christmas-in-July-spend-more-money" campaign launched by so many stores. Collect food and clothing for "Samaritan Baskets" on that Sunday. Recruit volunteers of all ages to send July "Blessing Cards" to the elderly, the sick or anyone in need in the parish. Plan a special parish meal that is open to all. Involve the entire parish. The Sunday liturgy would be the center of this "Good Samaritan" celebration. Bring forth the gifts for the "Samaritan Baskets" during the presentation of gifts. Invite a representative from social justice, family life, and religious education to work with the liturgist and music director to prepare this parish celebration.
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