I try to avoid reruns. What I write in this column is rarely what I preach about on Sunday; but sometimes it is worth making an exception. This is a repeat of part of my message on May 7.  

One of the texts that Sunday came from the Acts of the Apostles and concerned a problem faced by the first Christian Community in Jerusalem. The community had been growing, but was now being threatened by division, The Greek speaking Jews complained that their widows were getting short-changed in material support compared to the Hebrew widows. Maybe this was a result of prejudice or favoritism or the apostles unconsciously favoring “our people” over “those people”. When this was brought to the apostles’ attention, they did not “double down” and try harder to be inclusive. They asked the church community to identify seven people who could focus on ministry at the table while they focused on the ministry of the Word. All the men whom the community identified for this new ministry had Greek names, which suggests that the community deliberately nominated people who would be sensitive to the Greek speaking community. These seven recognized the gift that others had seen in them, and came forward to be installed in this ministry by the apostles. Once this obstacle was overcome, the community began to grow again.

I think this passage provides a recipe for church growth in any era. The apostles gave direction to the community and formally installed the deacons in their new ministry. However, the apostles apparently did not know that there was a problem in the community until it was brought to their attention, and they did not know who to call upon to fix the problem. Members of the community identified the problem and identified people in the community who had the gifts to solve the problem; and those whom the community identified acknowledged their gift and were willing to share their gift with the community. If everything had depended on the apostles, the community probably would have gone into decline because of this divisive issue.

I mention this because I believe we are at a similar point at Assumption, but for a different reason. Since the pandemic, it feels like we are always scrambling to find people willing to share their gifts with the community. Prior to the pandemic, we were able to field two lectors and three Ministers of the Eucharist at each weekend Mass. Half the time we have only one lector and we do not have enough Ministers of the Eucharist to restore the cup. The greeter ministry and the hospitality ministry need help. People ask about more Bible Studies and a Prayer Ministry for shut-ins. Chicago Help Initiative is overwhelmed trying to feed the immigrants now living downtown. The Refugee Assistance Ministry could do more with more people. The Garden Club has taken a step forward in Care for Creation by choosing more sustainable plants and native plants; but the Care for Creation ministry itself is stuck for lack of members. The Young Adults Group would be more active if more members of the community were active. People have asked for a more vibrant music ministry, but where are the people willing to share their gifts? We even struggled to find sufficient nominees for this year’s pastoral council.

Let me be clear about this. I am not asking for volunteers. I am not asking people who are already doing too much to do more. Volunteers can be applauded for their generosity, but they may not have the gifts needed for that ministry. They may also be standing in the way of those who are actually being called to that ministry and could do it better. So, what I am asking you to do is to pray over these questions: How has God gifted me? How is God calling me to share my gifts right now? For example, do not offer to serve as a Minister of the Eucharist because you heard we need more ministers. Offer to serve because you have a special love for the Eucharist. Offer to serve because you have a desire to feed the physical and spiritual hungers of the world.

 This was the homework assignment I gave the people at the 9:00, 10:30, 12:15 and 5:00pm Mass two weeks ago. Now I am extending it to the people at the Saturday Vigil Mass ant the 7:30 Mass. As in the Jerusalem Community, you might need to help someone else discover their gift. After you have done your homework, please respond to your calling. We have set up a special email hotline (ministries@assumption-chgo.org). Just write what you believe that you are being called to, and you will be directed to the appropriate leader. There are brochures in the back of church that list most of our ministries; but you may also want to identify some “Greek widows” whose needs are not being met. People are attracted to churches that are actively engaged in worship, seeking to grow in faith, and are outward looking, finding creative ways to meet the real human needs outside of the church walls.

                                                                              Fr. Joe