Summer is a time for growth
I have been on the road quite a bit this spring and early summer. As I drive about various parts of our diocese, I have been delighted by the beauty of the fields. Winter wheat, corn, and other crops have been sprouting up. The fields have been glorious green to match this longest stretch of Ordinary Time in our liturgical year, which will take us from spring through late November and the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The green that marks this season of Ordinary Time is meant to reflect the lush green and growth that we see in the world around us. These summer months are all about growth—the growth we see happening in the fields around us, as well as the growth that is to be taking place in our spiritual lives.
I have been on the road quite a bit this spring and early summer. As I drive about various parts of our diocese, I have been delighted by the beauty of the fields. Winter wheat, corn, and other crops have been sprouting up. The fields have been glorious green to match this longest stretch of Ordinary Time in our liturgical year, which will take us from spring through late November and the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The green that marks this season of Ordinary Time is meant to reflect the lush green and growth that we see in the world around us. These summer months are all about growth—the growth we see happening in the fields around us, as well as the growth that is to be taking place in our spiritual lives.
This ongoing need for growth in faith for people of all ages and stages is a very important aspect of the New Evangelization that has been proclaimed and promoted by Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. Even early in the ministry of Pope Leo, we can see that the New Evangelization will be an important aspect of his papal ministry. The goal of the New Evangelization is not just the proclamation of the gospel, but also a deep-seated desire to help connect people with God’s grace in order to help all of us, no matter where we are on our journey of faith, to grow in relationship with God and to grow and deepen our understanding of our Catholic faith.
Just a few weeks ago, our diocese welcomed seven newly-ordained priests, the largest group of priestly ordinations in our diocese in quite some time. These new priests have been engaged in a years-long process of growth in faith and love. They will continue to learn and grow as they begin their priestly ministry. As the People of God, we have the responsibility and privilege to help them in this process of growth and learning.
The more relaxed pace of summer also provides us with the opportunity to slow down just a bit. In the pages ahead, you will find some helpful recommendations that combine growth in faith with opportunities for relaxation, prayer and reflection. For instance, Michigan has a number of holy places that can make great day-trip destinations as well as possibilities for pilgrimage. We also have some reading recommendations that can fill summer days with learning and growth in faith.
These summer months are all about growth. The beauty of field and forest is reflected in the green that marks our liturgical celebrations. Let us make the best of these summer days to grow in faith and in relationship with God and with one another. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.
