A Promise (01/10/2024)

As one who has labored in the Church for over 50 years, I have a set of rules that I try to live by and a set of priorities that I try to honor. One of my rules that has a priority is being welcoming to all, but I place a priority on welcoming the young families who grace our community with their presence. Having raised three children, I know the struggles of church attendance with little ones who can’t see what’s going on and don’t understand the concept of reverence. And so, when there are little ones present around me, I make a point of welcoming them and thanking them for being among us because without them we would be wanting.

There is a particular family in our parish who attend church weekly. It is usually the dad who brings the infant and two pre-school sisters to church. He does a wonderful job as do the children. They are all trying to be a part of our community bound together by love of Christ. This family sticks out for me because the first time I spoke to them, I learned that the infant’s name is Charlie (my father’s name) and the middle sibling is Bertie (my mother’s name). Their names were etched in my memory, but I struggled with remembering the oldest daughter’s name. And I could tell that saddened her. So, a few weeks back, I asked her if she’d tell me one more time and I’d promise to remember.

She told me her name was Fran. And so, for seven days, every morning I prayed for Fran and her journey in this world in faith. And then last Sunday, I watched for the family. They arrived just before mass began. I promised myself that I would wait for them outside and speak to Fran by name since they were in the front of church, and I was in the back (trying to avoid those darn poinsettias). And the LORD was with us. As I stood outside, the family finally emerged. I walked toward them and said, “Fran, how are you doing today?” Her beaming smile could have lit up a football stadium. I added, “I promised I would remember, Fran, because you are memorable.”

I believe in keeping my promises, it’s one of my rules that takes top priority. I also believe in the power of names, in learning names and using names because we are called by name by our LORD into being and into participation in the mission. Learning another’s name is important; it demonstrates in a real way that the individual is valuable. And we know that all individuals are valuable. And so, learning names is part of the journey.

The connection with the family is valuable to me because, as I said, I know the struggles of trying to raise one’s children in the faith. I want the family to know that their presence among us is valuable and appreciated.

Let us look around us when we gather as a community. Let us seek to constantly expand our circles by ever increasing our recognition of the others in our midst. Let us be people who welcome others, especially the young families and those alone. Christ gave His life upon the cross for these individuals; their presence warrants our noticing and supporting them on the way.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.