THERE’S ALWAYS MORE . . I posed this as an uber-homily for the next few weeks-in fact, the next 20 weeks. I described here earlier the end of the great liturgical cycles, with Pentecost; and then, while in “Ordinary Time”, the two following Sunday feasts of Trinity and Corpus Christi. With those done, we re-enter the stately progression of one Gospel section at a time, this year, in Cycle B, From Mark. Mark has his own theological tendencies and stresses, as I’ll be describing. But to look at any long stretch of any one Gospel, the above is my snapshot of what the Gospel is trying to being us to: the sense that THERE’S ALWAYS MORE. We live in such fear, Jesus knew, of not having “enough”-love life joy time health money hope -and others. The Gospels can be seen as offering us the view that, in God, we have more than enough of any of these, and can live in freedom and joy as his children, It’s a view of the KINGDOM -some traditions call this “ordinary” time “Kingdomtide.” So let’s look the next few months for this Kingdom call to recognize that THERE’S ALWAYS MORE.
On Corpus Christi Sunday we joyfully welcomed Jessica Dorney into full communion with the Catholic Church. She’s studied and prayed with Deacon Carl and others through the year, and waited past Easter for the right time. Her joy was evident and we are so pleased to have her.
As Monsignor Blood noted at Mass, there were no announcements. It seems a little slower pace is starting. With this I want to announce the hiring of a person for a brand new position here: Director of Parish Faith Development. I’d been looking for someone to do the work of Amy Love, religion coordinator for school and PSR. I’ve known Jen Meehan for a number of years, and only recently became aware of her work in a Brentwood parish for faith programming from Pre-School through adults. We talked a few times as she’s been considering a new placement. I became really excited about what she could do for us here, and we made an agreement over Memorial Day Weekend. In school and PSR, among Young Adults in the absence of Deacon (Father) Ben, and the whole range
of our parishioners, I really look forward to her effects here, and that’s an understatement. She’s starting next week and will phase in over the summer. I asked her for a brief sketch of what she brings here, so here she is in her own voice–
“HI, I’M JEN MEEHAN. I’ve been married for 21 years, and have 3 teenagers (1 in college, 2 at Bishop DuBourg). I’m a native of New Jersey. Prior to working at St. Mary Magdalen in Brentwood as Director of Family Formation (2018-2021), I worked as the Executive Director of the Affton Christian Food Pantry for 6 years. At St M.M. parish I developed a Family Faith program that included adult enrich- ment and intergenerational programs. I have a strong heart for Gospel service, and I’ve designed a Lenten series that combines food, fellowship, prayer and service. I have more than a dozen years’ experience as a retreat director and faith formation leader. Two years ago, I wrote an Advent devo- tional and last year, expanded that into a prayer service. I taught John Paul II’s Theology of the Body to students in preschool through grade 8. I have more than 10 years of experience starting and leading small faith-sharing groups (women’s groups, couples’ groups, Bible studies, etc). Jim and
I offered Marriage Prep classes through the Archdiocese, both large groups at the Rigali Center and individual couples in our home). I am currently working toward my certification as a Spiritual Director through the Archdiocese of St. Louis. I anticipate completing this program in November 2021.
When I have some down time, I like to bike on Grant’s Trail, read a compelling novel, or crochet. Recently, I acquired a set of golf clubs and am beginning to understand the attraction of the game. I look forward to entering into the community at St. Monica’s, getting to know the charisms of the parish, and sharing my gifts with all of you.”