Catholic Vancouver October 23, 2024
Embrace change and don’t settle for the way things are, Archbishop tells Chilliwack parish during visit
By The B.C. Catholic
Archbishop J. Michael Miller applauded St. Mary’s Parish in Chilliwack for the “extraordinary number of opportunities for growth in the spiritual life and in outreach to others,” as he made his 35th pastoral visit.
During his homily on Sept. 15, he said, “It’s been inspiring for me to witness first-hand what your parish – under the dedicated and enthusiastic guidance of your pastor, Father [Giovanni Schiesari] and his assistant, Father [Felix Min] – is accomplishing for the good Lord and his Church.”
“I am gratified,” he said, “that so many of you are joyfully living the mission you received in your baptism to be missionary disciples.”
“The number of volunteers in your community is truly amazing and is deserving of the highest praise.”
The Archbishop urged St. Mary’s to look ahead and plan for leadership succession, a crucial step for the 35 groups and ministries within their parish.
Ask yourself if there is anything more or different that “you should be doing to ensure that you are effectively proclaiming Jesus Christ and his Gospel,” he said.
The Archbishop emphasized the need for change, stating that Jesus’ “Great Commission requires a willingness to change, not everything, but some things.”
“You know that we can’t keep doing what we have always done and expect different results. Our greatest enemy, one that saps our spiritual energy and holds us back, is “the complacent attitude that says: ‘We have always done it this way.’”