Bob Jensen

Come One, Come All to Mass!

During the month of May (as well as October), we take a count for the Archdiocese of all the people attending Mass. We have good news! There has been a 30% increase in Mass attendance over last year. Average attendance this year was 904 people (adjusting for the very popular Flores de Mayo celebration). Last year, as we were still emerging from COVID, average attendance was 699. However, we are still 19% below pre-COVID
levels of attendance.

One statistic from the current reality report for Partners in the Gospel is that church facility utilization (based on the number of people the church can hold) has declined to 46%. That means the average Mass in our archdiocese is less than half full. Our attendance numbers show our church facility utilization at 56.5%. Only two of our weekend Masses are less than half full.

The good news is that we have room for more people! If you haven’t seen a friend at Mass recently, call them and see how they are doing. Invite them to come to Mass with you. Is there a family member or neighbor you could invite to church? You could even bribe them with a meal afterwards.

Love Your Neighbors and Pray For Those Who Persecute You

It is impossible to paint the gay and lesbian community with one broad, brush stroke.  There is great diversity and many differences.

One very tiny group, which has been in the news lately may seem to be mocking Christianity and labeled by some as a hate group and anti-Catholic. They may evoke dismay or anger for those who love our Catholic faith. But remember the words of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.’” (Matthew 5:44). In the same section of the Gospel, Jesus warns against anger. But I say to you,

“Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” (Matthew 5: 22). This is a challenging command from the Lord, especially when it seems someone is attacking what we hold dear. But if we respond only in anger, we may be abandoning the very faith we hold dear.

Nowadays, most people know someone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning)+ community. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us how we should treat them. “They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity” (#2358). That is the official teaching of the Church. We may not agree with some of their choices or lifestyle, but it does not lessen the respect, compassion, and sensitivity deserved by every child of God and every human being.