Just a day in the Life of St. Malachi Parish…

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

There was so much worthy of praise at St. Malachi’s Tuesday April 13th, it was beyond words, but I will try anyway….

Public activity starts every weekday with 7:00 am Mass. Fr. Tony presides with five to ten prayerful people in attendance. Tuesday was no different. While I was not there, I suppose the attendees included a few parishioners, a religious sisters, and men and women who may participate in the Back Door Ministry at the rectory or the Shower Program at St. Malachi Center.

At 9:30am, the funeral Mass started for a beloved parishioner, Robert Lad. It was apparent this was a man who was loved and respected by his family and his community, St. Malachi Parish. God must have loved others through him and he received God’s love through others in return. Gathered in church were many people, all whose life Mr. Lad had touched. Along with his family, St. Malachi Parish staff and volunteers were deeply moved by the loss of such a loving person. The cover of the program for Mr. Lad’s Mass had the following quote: “For a Father’s blessing gives a family firm roots” (Sirach 3:9)

The daily Noon Mass was for Dwayne Tuthill, better known as “Red.” He was one of the men who are helped by the St. Malachi staff and who help St. Malachi’s in return. St. Malachi staff and volunteers loved Red when he was sober and when the disease of alcoholism would again overtake him. Pray-ers at this Mass included some of the St. Malachi people who knew Red best and loved him. Also in attendance were the speaker and participants for the luncheon program, Everyday Prophets.

At about 12:30, Terry Garr, the volunteer coordinator at West Side Catholic Center (WSCC) and speaker for Everyday Prophets and twelve others met in St. Malachi Hall. Terry talked about WSCC and their programs. One of the listeners spoke, giving tribute to the services of WSCC – he having been a homeless person.

At 7:00 pm, the Church was packed to overflowing. This time it was in anticipation of the Confirmation of more than 50 persons. These people, who wanted to receive the Grace through the Sacrament of a more mature faith and relationship with God, came from four area Churches (including St. Malachi’s) and Urban Community School. Bishop Roger Gries, O.S.B. presided. His homily was hopeful and joyous. Bishop Gries encouraged all by pointing out it is those who were receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation who are among the hope of the Church as we go forward. Hope and joy were abundant in St. Malachi Church. The Bishop, four priests, and a deacon led the people who were confirmed, their sponsors, family, and friends, and others who were part of the Confirmation Preparation Team, to the normal St. Malachi hospitality after celebrations – food prepared and served in St. Malachi Hall!

All the other regular activity on the St. Malachi campus continued too. The Back Door Ministry was open and serving. St. Malachi Center offered showers in the morning, sewing lessons mid-day, and the After School Program in the afternoon.

The other devoted activity that was an undercurrent of all this, was the preparation for the funeral, the talk, and the Confirmation.
The warmth and kindness of St. Malachi parishioners, staff and volunteers marked the day. There were three celebrations of life transitions. All were reminders of the love of God for us, God’s people. All who participated in some way may have been reminded of the hope experienced in Jesus’ Resurrection. I find the loving activity at St. Malachi’s – making us a community… a parish – inspirational, not only in my own life, but hopefully in the life of the Church.

Let us all keep on doing the things that [we] have learned and received and heard and seen in [Jesus] (Philippians 4:9).