Active Membership Pillar: Engagement in at least one parish ministry

Have you ever considered what non-Catholics think of certain Catholic practices, devotions, and images? Images like the Sacred Heart and discussion of relics might seem a little odd to some people, and this weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. During the Roman empire, crucifixion, death on a cross, was humiliating. It was meant to be a public shaming, to instigate fear into the community, and to deter other community members from challenging Roman authority. Why then, do Catholics exalt the cross?  

Jesus completely changed the narrative of crucifixion with His Passion, death and Resurrection. He was victorious over death, and He invites every person to give of themselves, pick up their cross and follow Him. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life,” (Jn 3:16). How are you giving of yourself for others? Here at Lumen Christi, there are a plethora of ways to give of oneself for the sake of others. By participating in at least one volunteer ministry, maybe as a catechist or food pantry volunteer, you are fulfilling your role as an active member at the parish and as a disciple of Jesus, who calls us to follow Him.