My husband John and I, along with two other parishioners, Lyn Bartels and Bonny Livernois, graduated from Encounter School of Ministry in Brighton this past May. It was a life-changing two years of growing closer to the Lord and learning to bring him to others, particularly through prayer ministry. We were encouraged to commit to these two years by a number of other parishioners who had already done the same, so a special shout-out to Cindy S., Kathy K., Sarra S., Karen B., and Lynn K.! (I hope I didn’t miss anyone!)
Of the many amazing speakers and teachers that are part of Encounter School, Fr. Patrick Gonyeau was one of my favorites! His enthusiasm and very apparent, deep love of the Lord animate his ministry! The Holy Spirit is burning in him…not just a spark or a flame, but a whole bonfire, rip-roaring away as he partners with the Spirit and creates a desire within others for the same. And not just the desire, but the knowledge of the truth that it’s possible and how much the Spirit just longs for us to commit and become who the Lord created us to be in “bringing people to Jesus and Jesus to people.” To state it simply, Fr. Patrick’s boundless energy and love for each person he meets in turns sets souls on fire….and he lets us know that, through the Holy Spirit, we can do the same!
Did I know that the Lord wanted to use me before I attended Encounter School and listened to Fr. Patrick on so many occasions as he taught us who we are as sons and daughters of a loving and awesome Father? Yes, on an intellectual level, I knew this, BUT did that truth live in me? Were my heart and soul convicted of all the ways the Spirit could empower me and had a plan already of who/what/and where he would lead me to help spread Jesus? Maybe, but only partially. And it wasn’t so much God I didn’t trust as I know he is Almighty and All-powerful! On some level, I needed to know and trust that this was meant even for me…that Jesus desires this and has filled me with gifts for a particular time and place, and he will provide what I need to do what he is calling me to…when I ask him, when I surrender, when I desire more and more of it! And he is doing and will do the same for you!
So, I know you’ve heard the announcements and you’ve seen the advertisements about our upcoming Parish Mission Talks, but this is one more promo to say, “Get yourself there!” “You don’t want to miss it!” “Bring a friend, or four!” “You’ll be blessed!” “The Lord has a plan, and he has people to reach through you!” “Fr. Patrick rocks!!” And in Fr. Patrick’s own words, “Be invite(d), disciples of Jesus, to be refreshed in the Holy Spirit and empowered to live more fully the daily adventure of life in the Holy Spirit.” Join us Oct. 18-20!
Praying the Lord removes any obstacles keeping you from our parish mission. That any fears, doubts, or hesitations be gone in Jesus’ Holy Name. That the Spirit pour out mightily on this event, empowering, emboldening, and equipping each of us! All for the Lord’s glory and for the salvation of souls. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, and surprise us! Use these talks to bring more fruit than we can even imagine!
Shayne