Earlier this year we took a parish survey and had hoped to report the responses right away. The devastating blow of losing Pat and Carlotta Davis delayed our goal, but parishioners from Be Bold, Be Catholic formed a team to tally responses to be sure everyone’s concerns and interests could be addressed. While we wait for this full report, right now we can consider certain questions about the Bible or Catholic teachings, about which many parishioners indicated a strong interest in learning more.

Since we would like to address the subjects according to your interests, we’ll need your feedback to design the program. For instance, some people had questions about the basics of the faith, while others wanted to have a Bible study. How about combining a Bible study which referenced the faith teachings as presented in the Catechism? Also, we would like to know what format you would like to use to receive these questions/answers and Bible studies. Would you like to form a traditional Bible study group or would a video be more accessible for you to click on whenever it is most convenient for you? Would you like to read them online? Would you prefer the Bible studies be printed as an insert in the bulletin with extra copies available in the back of Church? If technologies scare you, would you be interested in having a person come to your home and teach you how to take advantage of the services we offer through technologies?

Some people had questions about the Mass. In the back of the Church are a handful of books written by myself, Fr. Barr, called The Beauty of the Mass. These are free. The books are also available online at Amazon.com, both as a paperback mailed to you, as well as a Kindle edition which you can read on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. All purchase proceeds go the Madonna Renewal Center. I will also be doing articles on the Mass or any other interests you may have in the faith. I will start writing some articles that I think you may be interested in, but I need your feedback. What questions do you have about the Bible, the Church, teachings of the Church, prayers or worship?

For now, please call the office with any questions you may have about the faith. Remember, there are no “dumb” questions. As Catholics, we seem to have a hodgepodge of information, but really nothing to put it all together. My hope is we will find many ways to communicate, to join together and receive the strength and confidence awaiting anyone willing to explore our beautiful faith.