Nothing in Life Should Be More
Important than Our Faith in God
It began as a New Year’s resolution. For the third year in a row I had made the same resolution; to become more active in exploring my faith in God. But no more excuses. I missed attending church too much. I missed the traditions of the holiday celebrations, the Holy Days, the candles ands the stained glass windows, the significance of the crucifix and all it had meant to me over the years. This year I knew I had to follow through.
I had been born into a “good Catholic” family, the youngest of six, parochial school education, morning mass EVERY day and ambitions to enter the convent. But at college I met the man who would become my husband. He represented so much I had never known, a world outside my security blanket. He challenged my thoughts and abilities. He is a Christian although there was never any doubt that the “Catholic” faith was not how he intended to raise our children.
For many, many years after our son was born we searched and stumbled for a compromise on our beliefs. We came to know Bruce, not as a pastor, but as a friend through scouting. It was his quiet consistency in speaking with me that lit the candle that is becoming once again the fire of faith. For too many years I had tunnel vision as to what I thought a church experience should be, so I neglected not only my needs but also those of our family.
Your monthly newsletter kept that candle lit. I thanks you as a group for not giving up when you did not always see me in the pew. Recently I was comfortable enough to ask about weekly envelopes. I learned that they were already printed; you had faith all along. I am learning the uniqueness of this church community and the small differences in the church service itself. My blinders are off and I thank God and each of you for removing them. Do not lose your faith, for there are many temptations and excuses available to us. But I will be there for you, as you were there for me.
- Pat Helson