When there is a job to be done, sometimes we ask for volunteers. “We need an usher… can anybody help?” What usually happens is the same people who volunteer for everything volunteer for one more thing. “Well, if the parish needs something… I’ll do it.” Those kind of people are amazing. However, a better approach to using all our talents is that people who have a special ability in a certain area are actively sought out and recruited. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people. If 10% of the people in the parish are volunteering for 90% of the time, then we’re missing out on the real talents of most of the parish.
This weekend at St. Patrick’s we are talking about stewardship of our time and talent. In today’s homily I talk about my own experiences with trying to discern what to do with God’s gifts and even being surprised by what God does. Whatever parish you are at or whatever state in life you are in, you have unique talents that God is calling you to use for the good of your family, the Church, and the world. A parish really is a family. A family thrives when everyone is valued and everyone does their part. What gifts is God calling you to use for his glory?