Welcome to the Mission

18th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Welcome to the Mission

Welcome to the Mission, St. Francis de Sales! When Jesus calls the twelve apostles, Mark the evangelist writes, “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach (Mark 3:14). That they might be with him: indeed, the intent of Jesus is to intimately associate the apostles with him – and his mission! In today’s Gospel, we also find a clear indicator that the Lord calls us to active participation. When the disciples are eager and enthusiastic to dismiss the crowds so that they can go home and get some food on their own, Jesus encourages them to pause. No, they don’t have to leave. Rather, Jesus instructs them: “Give them some food yourselves” (Matthew 14:16b).

Give them some food yourselves. We can’t do everything, but we can do something. And that something that we can do is how we witness to the Gospel as missionary disciples. I want to take this opportunity to affirm each of you, with your own unique experiences, gifts and talents. You are equipped; you are enabled; you are empowered to “give them some food yourselves!”

In other words, always remember that you can make a difference and the impact you have on others in the name of Christ has inestimable value.

Do not be afraid to get involved, to discern a new ministry, or maybe to volunteer at the food pantry or Emmaus House – for in the words of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, “we can do small things with great love.” Somewhere here at our beautiful parish and in our wonderful community of Lake Zurich, you will have the opportunity to be the hands, feet, and voice of Christ – as you reach out with the compassion of Jesus.

As Pastor of St. Francis de Sales, I pledge to remain committed to the Mission of Jesus Christ. Like Jesus who took, blessed, broke and gave bread back to the disciples who in turn gave it to the crowd, we the parish staff, lay leaders and pastoral ministers assure you of our prayers and support. We will continue to provide substantive formation that enriches your life of missionary discipleship. We will continue to listen to your needs and the kind of training you want to receive. We will continue to accompany you in your faith life so that you will feel more and more confident and capable of giving them some food yourselves.

Meanwhile, let us continue to pray for each other and our parish and school community. Let us pray for Jake, Marc and Chris, and all those newly and recently confirmed in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Indeed their commission is a reminder of our very own: welcome to the mission; the Church needs you!

Assuring you of my prayers, I remain – 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Christian Shiu
Administrator