A Letter from Fr. Paul - May 20, 2018

As of the beginning of May, 12% of our parishioners had contributed $8,900 or 44% of our parish goal of $20,000 to the Catholic Stewardship Appeal. Two weekends ago we showed the video that stresses the importance of the ministries supported by this appeal. If you were not at Pius that weekend (or if you were at the 10:15 Mass when the system failed) and would like to see the video, it can be found here: https://www.archmil.org/2018-catholic-appeal/home.htm. I ask the other 88% of our parishioners to consider supporting this appeal. If you have lost the return envelope that was sent to you in the mail, there are more on the small table by the middle doors in the back of church.

Saturday, May 12th, there was a wonderful article on page 3 in the Milwaukee Journal featuring a project by 8th graders from Wauwatosa Catholic about Wauwatosa soldiers killed in the Vietnam war. You can find the article on our webpage (www.stpiusparish.org) or on JSOnline.com. This kind of in-depth work is an important aspect of the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Our faith tells us that we receive the Holy Spirit in Baptism and the fullness of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation. That is what we celebrate today: the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In the reading from Corinthians this weekend, we hear, There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

TO EACH INDIVIDUAL gifts are given “for some benefit,” that is, to benefit others. Recently I read an article about belonging to a faith community which asked, “Are you a consumer (you just come for what you get) or are you a contributor,” (one who uses God-given gifts for the good of the community).

Sometimes people feel that financial support is enough; it is vital, no doubt, for bills have to be paid. But there are also ministries and programs that need to happen for the community to be effective in its evangelizing mission.

Sometimes we tell ourselves “I have nothing to give” or “others can do it better.” I repeat from our reading, to each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. We all have something to share. On the main page of our webpage (www.stpiusparish.org) there is a section Become Involved in Our Community. Click on view all opportunities and you will find a detailed list of many ways for sharing time and talent with your faith community. And let us support each other in prayer.

-- Paul James Portland, SDS