Catholic Services Appeal: A testimony

From The Superior Catholic Herald...
 

Editor’s note: Bob King is the parish administrator at Holy Family, Woodruff. He has taken advantage of several diocesan programs, all of which are funded through the Catholic Services Appeal, over the years. He is currently studying for the permanent diaconate.

Before I began working at Holy Family, I started attending Professional Development Days offered by the diocese. I find these one-day opportunities to learn and grow help ground me in my faith.  Additionally, the content often extends beyond faith and parish work, and so I find the sessions to be refreshing and rewarding. An added benefit is the opportunity to meet and network with diocesan staff as well as staff members from other churches around the diocese.

Last year I participated in the training to become a Lay Leader of Prayer. This was another opportunity to meet and network with other parish staff members. While learning how to lead Word and Communion service, we were able to tap the knowledge of the facilitators to gain a deeper understanding of the sanctifying grace that comes with receiving Eucharist and the theology underlying the rubrics of the service. Following my certification I joined other Lay Leaders of Prayer in our parish that preside at Word and Communion each Monday morning. I know they join me in feeling blessed for the special privilege it is to be able to provide the body of Christ to our parishioners when our pastor is away.

Of all the diocesan services offered, perhaps one I would single out as a hidden gem is Servant Leadership. My wife and I attended the “school” a few years ago and found it immensely rewarding for deepening our understanding of the Catholic faith and in opening our eyes to the many ways of serving as disciples of Christ. Participants can choose to attend one or more of the weekend workshops, or attend all nine monthly sessions offered by the Office of Ecclesial Ministries. Servant Leadership provides an excellent opportunity to network with other servant leaders from around the diocese.

Read the rest of this news story on The Superior Catholic Herald (official publication of the Diocese of Superior) website here...