Fitting In vs. Belonging
...In This Place
Just a few days ago, our liturgical brain trust was reflecting on the difference between "fitting in" and "belonging"—a differentiation brought to light in recent years by Brené Brown. We've heard from several parishioners last week about how and why their experience at St. Monica has been about being welcomed for precisely who they are, not becoming something inauthentic in order to be accepted.
When people wonder what I do, I am often asked, "Why does a church need marketing? What is a parish's brand?" I'm proud to answer that in consumer markets, companies expect you to buy their products to be more like them: cool, beautiful, talented—any number of empty adjectives. Conversely, our community of St. Monica is a reflection of you—YOU are the brand. And it's my job to ensure that every unique thread of our parishioners is represented in the vibrant fabric of our worship, connection, and service—our St. Monica Catholic identity.
When people share the stories of their first experiences at St. Monica with me, a vast majority recall that Christmas or Easter when we welcomed them by name: single, married, divorced, widowed; gay, straight; young, old; rich, poor; disabled, immigrant, unbelieving, homeless. Our patron Monica weeps for all these and more.
If you've found St. Monica to be a place where we provide belonging rather than expectations on how to fit in, support that mission by getting involved, sharing it with others, and offering your financial support. If you haven't yet had that experience in this place—let me know. How can I help? What can I learn? Seriously—I personally want to hear from you.
To allow this parish to continue our commitment to the faithful, we need your hands, your heart, and your help. Stewardship renewal is about your engagement and commitment to this place of belonging. So whether it's letting us know your name for the first time by registering, increasing your recurring giving, or joining our Thanksgiving dinner and boutique—you are welcome, you belong, and we love you...in this place.
