Together Let Us Go Forth ~ Juntos Sigamos Adelante

10-27-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Dear Parishioners,

It is my pleasure to introduce to you the Diocesan-wide campaign: Together Let Us Go Forth ~ Juntos Sigamos Adelante. This is a historic campaign where every parish and mission in our Diocese will join together in an effort to strengthen and embolden discipleship and evangelization efforts that will impact millions today and in the future. Discipleship is a dynamic journey of becoming like Jesus and it starts with a “yes.” As we grow in our relationship with God, we evangelize and share the Gospel with our families and communities, bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ into every human situation.

The Diocese of Phoenix is not “something else,” something different from us. We form a part of the diocese. We have an obligation to always look beyond our particular needs. Furthermore, in unity with our Bishop, we recognize an eminent way of living the mandate of Jesus to be “one” (Jn 17:21). St. Ignatius of Antioch, Father of the Church, wrote to the community of Smyrna: “Follow the Bishop, like Jesus Christ to the Father.” This campaign helps us to rise above the immediate needs of our parish community and to participate in something greater, something that we could not do without the help of a larger community of people.

I would like to clarify the difference between our parish building campaign (Living Our Faith, Building Our Home), and the Diocesan-wide campaign (Together Let Us Go Forth ~ Juntos Sigamos Adelante). The goal of our parish campaign is to build our new worship place. The goal of the Diocesan campaign is to support the different ministries and future needs of our Diocese. The Diocesan campaign gives each one of us the opportunity to build upon what we already have for future generations. To give in the same way that so many before us have given and sacrificed. Generations before us gave us not only the gift of faith, but were also very generous by leaving us buildings and structures where we can live our faith, be evangelized, and become disciples of Jesus Christ.

This weekend, I introduce and invite you to participate in the Campaign. In the coming weeks, you will receive more information and I will share the vision of the campaign. You will learn how our Diocese is working to increase and strengthen evangelization and discipleship efforts here at St. Benedict and St. John Bosco, as well as throughout the diocese. I am inviting each of you to join me in this mission. I also invite you to pray about how the Lord is inviting you to participate in the campaign. Let us also pray for the success of the campaign, and for our parish, as we work to achieve our goals.

Thank You and Remain Blessed,

Fr. James