Chaplain's Report

Recently I found myself zeroing in on during my meditation a biblical fellow named Zaccheus – A short man he climbs a tree hoping to be noticed by Jesus to get the attention he feels he needs. I couldn’t help but think there is a message for us in that tree and in his behavior. It was a tree that figured prominently in the fall of our race, and another tree which became the symbol of our salvation when Jesus hung upon it. It is a tree from which the altar and pulpit in St. Monica came, from which we bring messages each time we climb onto them.

Zaccheus was a small fellow. This is a comparatively small congregation. And I am so pleased to be a part of it. Small Is In! Small communities are thought to be the hope for the future of our faith. The reason Jesus took notice of Zaccheus was obviously not because of his size, but because of his feistiness. There is something dynamic about this little guy – something we shouthldidardently aspire to for our not so large community. He is zealous and enthusiastic. When a parish is that way, alive and vital, it is a source of inspiration and encouragement to its members and inevitably attractive to others.

The secret to success as a parish and as Knights is the priority we give to our trust and confidence in the Lord as expressed in our worship experience. Whenever one puts God first, He never fails to provide for that person or community. We must check and recheck our motivation – are we working for the glory of God and the well being of His people? I hope I underscore for you how essential it is to be sincere, honest and without pretense. It is only by being authentic that we will ever draw others to our parish and the Knights. Let us strive to be friendly, make friends and bring them to Christ.

Let me finally salute all you guys do for St. Monica and the Jackson Community. I am in awe of the time and talent you expend on behalf of the Knights. Our Grand Knights, the latest being George Becker, and now Guy Okulewicz, give unstintingly of themselves. I am impressed by the quality of the articles in the “Knightly News” and the outstanding production rendered by Ron Borrello.

Keep up the good work. Fr. Scott is proud of you and I am periodically “busting my buttons” about you. I love you with the love of Christ.

God Bless You All.

- Fr. Tom