Crisis of Belonging

There are two topics the classic maxim warns us not to bring up at the holiday dinner table: religion and politics. As someone responsible for asking, receiving, and thanking you—the parishioners of St. Monica— for your financial gifts to our parish, it would probably be safer and wiser to avoid those topics as well in this last column before Christmas.

The partisan divide illustrates what has been called a ‘crisis of belonging.’ It’s true—we all yearn to belong. We want to be part of something greater than ourselves. We know that our strengths lie in numbers. As Catholic Christians, we receive the body and blood to be in Communion with God and each other. Our ‘Amen’ proclaims, “I believe.” At St. Monica, we reach across the aisle to pray the Lord’s Prayer without judgment or condition.

This is why the gift of Jesus is not only for those gathered in the pews and around the altar. God sent his son for all. And our parish community stands as that safe and brave space where all are welcome: lions can lie down with lambs, the neediest among us come forward beside those perceived to have everything, and where every voice matters.

St. Monica stands as a place of belonging. I hope we satisfy that yearning for love and acceptance, just as our God teaches. What can sanctify and preserve this, ensuring it remains for generations? Your generosity.

There are time-proven giving principles that illustrate the spirit of Christmas:

• People are inherently generous. The magi brought Jesus gifts— not out of reciprocity, but in joy!
• People give because they are asked. We invite our children to make Christmas lists to give them exactly what they want.
• People support causes. We want to see and experience the change we can foster—relevant, urgent, and important things.

This Christmas, however, your offering is expressed, be proud that your contributions are a bold response that enables your parish of St. Monica to confront our crisis of belonging and continue to say, “All are welcome.”