SEISMIC SHIFTS
I wonder what it is like for people who live in those parts of the world where earthquakes can be common. Is there routine worry about the ground shifting underneath them? We see the news reports of how deadly and damaging earthquakes can be.
Is there ever a need, though, for a “spiritual” earthquake, possibly a needed shift that will catapult us into the ways of God, helping us realize that we are on shaky ground if our foundation is not on God? Are we ever in need of this life-changing shift?
In Part 4 of Matthew Kelly’s book, I Heard God Laugh, he talks of powerful spiritual lessons when it comes to our spiritual lives. He calls them 6 “seismic shifts”:
We held a 21-day Lenten series online, “The Classroom of Silence”, which is posted to our social media sites. Whether or not you followed along, for all or just part of the three-week program, we invite you to a gathering on Zoom on Monday evening, March 29 at 7:30 PM for an interactive session. We would like to share questions and insights on what the Prayer Process hopefully continues to mean in this new daily habit of our spiritual lives. If you would like to be part of this, please email Mary Vukelich (mvulekich@stjosephmech.org) by Monday at Noon if you would like to receive the Zoom link.
I want to thank all those who participated in this series, and especially our staff who helped with the introductory videos that are still available online: Father Sahd, our seminarian Andrew Kappenhagen, Suzanne Bruzga, Rudy Geisler and Mary Vukelich, who also coordinated this effort. Our hope is that such a practice of prayer will transform us more deeply into the disciples Jesus calls us to be.
A large part of our Parish Transformation Process deals with looking at how we worship, and as we know, music plays a very large part in our worship. Did you see the virtual concert offered by the Harrisburg Chapter of the American Guild of Organists last weekend? Our very own Pastoral Musician Justin Myers was part of that, showing the amazing sound of our church organ (as well as his amazing musical skills!) This can be found at Harrisburg Chapter AGO - Virtual Recital, March 21, 2021 - YouTube. It’s worth a listen and a watch! Justin is featured just past 16 minutes into the recital.
We look forward to worshiping with you during the Sacred Triduum. Please see the bulletin, our website or the Holy Week posted schedule listing the ceremonies that will take place both in the Church and at the Gazebo. Have a Blessed Holy Week and Easter!