By Easter Almuena Special to the Herald
Many people have thanked the diocesan Office of Worship for its coordination of the Marian events related to the celebration of the centennial of the final apparition at Fatima, Oct. 13. The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace’s participation in the Global Rosary Relay for Priests caught the attention of the world and won the cathedral and our diocese a global award.
A hidden jewel behind the success of the Marian events was Bishop Larry Silva’s Diocesan Pastoral Plan. How? From the planning and coordinating stages to the actual celebration of the events, the Office of Worship took into account the four major areas of the plan: faith formation, marriage and family, leadership, and youth and young adults.
It seems odd that a gathering of prayer would take a strategic plan into consideration. It is precisely this — its underlying coverage of people from all walks of life — that it is appropriate to keep it in mind. No one is left behind, and it begins with prayer. People of all ages are drawn to prayer because it connects them to the source of life. The source of life, Jesus himself, is he who draws all of us to himself, empowering us through the Holy Spirit to respond, to participate, and to ask, “What can I do?” or “What else can I do?”
Prayer evokes a response to move and to do as asked for the unification and strength of the Body of Christ. Mary, through the rosary, does a great job of bringing us to Jesus to make that a reality. Contemplating on the mysteries of the rosary, the life of leadership and service of Jesus becomes magnified in us and through us.
To all those involved in some type of participation, Bishop Silva’s Diocesan Pastoral Plan, called “Stewards of the Gospel,” is an excellent guide when looking for people to become involved in any type of project or event, be it liturgical or social. This plan works well with people who plan, organize, facilitate or coordinate events.
With stewardship in mind — that we are all called to share our gifts and talents — one is guided by many questions such as: Who and where are the married couples? Who and where are the families? Who are the leaders who possess the knowledge and skills? How do we attract the youth and young adults into the church and who among them have the potential to become leaders? Who have the resources and tools to complete a project?
These simple questions widen the scope of search, and when the next event comes, we seek new people while those who have been involved previously are already part of the action. It also prevents over-involvement of those who lead several ministries. People generally like being sought and being asked if they can do something. It makes them feel important and needed. They also like to be asked with a smile, with a loving and welcoming heart. They also like to be thanked, because gratitude means “Who I am and what I do is a vital part of the success of the whole plan and its execution.”
May our Mother in the name of Our Lady of Fatima continue to bring each of us to Jesus who sets the example of leadership and service, for each of us has an important part in unifying and strengthening the Body of Christ. Bishop Silva’s Diocesan Pastoral Plan is certainly a great guide and tool in working toward this goal.
Easter Almuena is the administrative assistant for the Office of Worship.
