Fr. Mike's Message - 02/13/2022

Thank you to all those who have updated their contact information this past week. This signup campaign will continue for several more weeks and it's very easy to do, so if you haven't already, please take this opportunity to update your contact information.  I shared at Mass that many times I have looked at our most recent parish directory for a phone number to contact a parish member only to find out that the number is no longer in service.  I hate that I can’t contact someone because we don’t have an updated phone number.  So please be sure to update your information.  This will help us to get parish information to you and to contact you when necessary.  (Just in case you are wondering, rest assured that we do not share parishioners’ contact information with any person or organization that is not affiliated with our parish.)

Here’s how to update your information electronically in a secure way: Simply click this link (or type it into your browser): https://bit.ly/SFBParish or scan the QR code located on the "Directory Update" card in the pew holders. The forms are also available on the Gathering Table in Jesuit Hall and were included in a parish mailing that you should be receiving this week. If you prefer to complete the paper form, please return it to the parish office. You may also call or stop by the parish office for assistance. I appreciate your help with this.
 
Beginning on March 2nd (Ash Wednesday), you will have the opportunity to participate in a survey called the Disciple Maker Index from the Archdiocese of St. Louis as part of the All Things New initiative.  The information collected from this survey will help Archbishop Rozanski and the team of folks working on the All Things New strategic planning process to see where we are as a parish and as an Archdiocese (measuring strengths, opportunities, etc.).  This information will help them as they begin to develop a plan for the future.  The more people that participate by taking this survey, the better!  So please take the time to fill it out when you receive it.  More information about this will be forthcoming.
 
All Things New is meant to help us focus on our own lives of faith and to grow in faith.  Our Church has as its primary focus to make disciples.  When we hear words like “evangelization,” answering the Lord’s call to go and make disciples is at the heart of it.  Do we feel strong in our faith?  Do we feel equipped to speak to others about our faith?  What do we need in order to do that more effectively? 

The following is a quote from the All Things New webpage ( allthingsnew.archstl.org): “All Things New will evaluate the effectiveness of the Church in St. Louis in proclaiming the Gospel and will identify opportunities for improvement and renewal within all parishes, schools and curia offices and agencies.” As we continue through the All Things New process, I would encourage you to, first, pray for this process.  Pray the All Things New prayer; come to Tuesday Adoration; offer a Rosary; whisper a prayer in your own words.  We need to shower our prayers upon this process and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us.
 
This Saturday, February 19th, is the night of the Borgia High School Auction.  If you don’t yet have a ticket but would like to attend, call the High School office and they will be happy to assist you if they can.  Hope to see you there!  It’s always a fun evening and a great way to support Borgia High School.
 
Have a blessed week!
Fr. Mike Boehm