Thanks to Some Special Friends!

Last night I had the privilege of being in the company of some special friends for what I thought was to be the last time. Over the past four years, I have been leading a Catechism study group in my parish. Last night was our final session and we were joined by our pastor Fr. Mike and our close friend Mary, who is the head of parish ministries. As we discussed what was learned over the past four years, something that had been obvious to me suddenly became apparent to everyone else in the room. The Lord had touched the group and everyone had been transformed. Everyone that started the course as a ?student? had become a ?teacher?. They may not teach in the formal sense, but they now realize that they are called to ?instruct? their co-workers, family, friends and anyone that God places in their path. They are prepared to teach not only by their words, but by their actions.

Scott, Michelle, Marilou and Joe ? you have been a bigger inspiration to me than you will ever know. Your willingness to study and accept the teachings of the Catholic Church inspired me personally and is a much needed witness in today?s society. On a more personal level, I now consider you all to be my close friends. It is a friendship built on the common bond of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and it doesn?t get much better than that!

Fr. Mike and Mary?thanks for allowing us to become a group and to meet in the parish. Thanks also for trusting in me to lead the group and for your words of support last night. I assure you that I consider it a sacred duty to be able to instruct people in the Faith and I will always treat it as a great privilege.

As it turns out, this isn?t the end for us. There is much work to be done and we are all up for the task. And if anyone doesn?t believe that the teaching of Jesus Christ through His Catholic Church can change people?s lives, my friends and I would have a serious problem with that! Our lives were all changed by studying the Catechism and yours can be also. If you don?t have a copy you need to get one? it is a masterpiece.

By the way, if you like what we?re doing over at The Catholic Truth website (www.thecatholictruth.info) and feel that it has helped you in any way , say an extra prayer for Scott, Michelle, Marilou and Joe ?they are funding it for the next year!

Thanks, guys? you?re amazing!

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3 Responses to Thanks to Some Special Friends!

  1. stanley says:

    Thanks for putting my name first. LOL

  2. mary says:

    I left the gathering Tuesday feeling joy and excitement as I thought about how God would use all that you have learned and received to bring hope to others. Your perseverance has produced much fruit…and since you have been faithful in small matters, Jesus will now give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy (Matt 25:23) DO NOT BE AFRAID to share your reason for hope! Merry Christmas to you all!

  3. Anonymous says:

    Let’s not forget Beth. She was with us in spirit as she spent the last year tending to her ill father. Gary, you were an awesome teacher and who knows where this amazing adventure will take us as I’m not so sure I’m ready for a leadership role as I am ready to answer the question “Why are you Catholic.” But I leave that in the hands of God. I feel like I’m in up to my ankles, and feeling safe, when Jesus is calling me in to the deepest end. We all know that level. Its where we start to feel just a little uncomfortable. I had that feeling when Mary started wondering how she could use the “new tools” (us) in her tool box. lol But again, God has His plan and its a perfect plan. I have no worries.

    Your friend in Christ
    Joe

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