The following quotes can assist us in loving and caring for one another: (Jesus says) I pray for

them, who will believe in me through their word, so that all may be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they may also be in us that the world may believe that you sent me. John 17: 20, 21 I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent. -Luke 4:44 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. -1 John 4:7 Love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. -Romans 12:10 This life is a talent entrusted to all of us so that we can transform it and increase it, making it a gift to others. -Blessed Pope John Paul II, d. 2003 Take care of self through prayer, then support others by loving them and being available. -Blessed John Henry Newman, (1801-1890) We can do no great thingsonly small things with great love. -Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta 1910-1997 Please call or email if I can be of assistance to you or your parish. Let us join our prayers together for all members of our Church. Jean Olson, MA Pastoral Ministry (218) 543-6965 bjolson@live.com 2012

Change: An Opportunity to Survive and Thrive

By Jean Olson

Introduction
Living in the 21st century is a challenge for everyone. Like it or not, we are all part of change, which seems to be everywhere in society, politics, finances, and health care, etc. I especially want to address change in the Catholic Church. My purpose in writing this reflection is to recognize and cope with the changes in our lives, and to grow in the process so that we can be there for others in their times of change. As Jesus prays to his Father: May they all be one, as you Father, are in me and I in you, that they may be in us. . . I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me (John 17: 21,23). **************************************** In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are called by God to his personal love and to become members of the body of Christ. Our parents nurture us with their love which reflects the love of God. As we grow in our faith and in the image of God, the Church also is there to nurture and guide us in growth.

In our spiritual lives, reception of the sacraments, especially Reconciliation and Eucharist, help us to grow and mature. These sacraments must be administered by an ordained Catholic Priest. Today, priestly vocations have declined for various reasons, and we are faced with the possibility of fewer opportunities to receive these sacraments. In order to continue to offer the sacraments to all Catholic people, changes must be made to allow for this shortage. Consequently, bishops are faced with making decisions regarding numbers of parishes in their dioceses. The parishes we have known for years, parishes where we have not only received Holy Eucharist, but also have participated in baptisms, confirmations, marriages and funerals of family members and friends are sometimes closed. The community we have formed with other parishioners is being altered. This can cause great distress, perhaps depression and even anger, to those involved. The reality is that something so very precious as our church family is being changed. We can draw from the writings of Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (1969) five stages of grieving and loss: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. Even though we each process our grief and loss in different ways, acceptance needs to be the final outcome if we are to continue to thrive, to grow, and to be there for one another. Although we cannot take these losses and changes lightly, we can grow closer to the very God we come together to worship, as well as to those we love dearly in our church family. As St. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 6,7, So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught.

Conclusion
I offer some suggestions that may help us in this process: Because we cannot avoid change in life, we must adapt, and attempt to grow as well. My concern is for the person and his or her relationship with God and the Church. Serving in ministry is a full time call from God for each of us. All are created in the image and likeness of God, and deserve love, respect, and to be treated with the dignity God gives everyone. The prophet Jeremiah writes about hope: I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord. Plans for your welfare, not for woe. Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you find me with you, says the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:11-14). Caring for each other is not only an obligation but a privilege. If we know Jesus and love as Jesus loves, we will naturally care for one another, treat others problems as our own, and consider the problem they face is reality to them and might be a cause for suffering.

-Allow more personal time with God every day, to pray, read and reflect on scripture. Pray for the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit to be empowered with wisdom, strength, hope, and courage, to assist others in their healing process. -Receive the sacraments as often as possible to avail ourselves of Gods abundant grace. -Imitate Jesus ministry as we love and reach out to those who are hurting. As Saint John writes, Love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:17). -Pray for and support our church leaders who are faced with the task of discerning Gods will in making decisions for our future. -Pray for priestly vocations. -Pray for our parishioners, for peace and strength for those who suffer with the changes. -Reach out in love to care for those who have lost their parish or are facing joining with another. -Treat each person with dignity. You are being sent; you have not chosen for yourself where you want to go; you are sent just as Jesus was sent to us. (Mother Teresa, 1910-1997). -Love each other and care for those who may have trouble welcoming the new people. -Offer assistance to the church and its members as our call and gifts allow.

God our Father, grant us the gifts of faith, wisdom and compassion through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Guide our Church into the future. Help our faith grow through the process of change. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.