The Catholic Spirit asked our readers how the major events of 2020 helped them grow in faith. These are two of their responses.
I feel that the major events in 2020 for local Catholics were the Synod listening sessions, COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest and presidential politics. Archbishop Bernard Hebda visited parishes in early 2020 to see how Church leadership could better serve community needs. I attended the Feb. 15 session and was impressed that the bishop and his staff were open to suggestions. In May, Archbishop Hebda’s bold reopening of parish churches signaled to all to fight for our faith values despite COVID-19 edicts. Parishioners and staff members had to quickly adjust to attendance limitations, livestreamed services and creative pew management. Everyone became immediate Zoom and WebEx meeting experts after a few sessions. You just had to pray that monetary donations would continue without the usual weekly interaction of clergy and congregation.
The May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis focused our minds on how we may mistreat our fellow citizens when Jesus instructed us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Unfortunately, criminal opportunists took advantage of the situation to destroy property and loot businesses. We were challenged then as a community to unite, while simultaneously respecting others’ rights and possessions.
The 2020 Presidential race tested everyone’s faith. Could we trust government officials and the general public to run an expansive, honest mail-in ballot system that would instill confidence in the eventual outcome? Shouldn’t we expect more from our politicians who may test our Catholic values of “respect for life,” socioeconomic opportunities and rights to worship? I certainly pray that is the case.
Dennis J. Cummings
Mary, Mother of the Church, Burnsville
We are all challenged to use our giftedness to help others who are in need. For the past many years, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to volunteer as chairman of the Bountiful Basket Food Shelf that serves the communities of Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska and Victoria. My faith has been strengthened significantly since last March, due particularly to the many new partnerships that we have created to help provide food for those in need due to the pandemic.
My parish of St. Victoria, led by Father Bob White, conducted a food drive which the Bountiful Basket participated in that resulted in 2,000 pounds of food being delivered to Vine Church in Minneapolis. St. Victoria, West Union Lutheran Church, Love INC. and the Bountiful Basket all partnered during Thanksgiving week to provide 150 turkeys and food baskets for Eastern Carver County families in need.
Early on during the COVID lessening of church gatherings and services, St. Victoria welcomed parishioners to come on occasion to receive weekday holy Communion. On one visit, I was asked if I was aware of Humanity Alliance and that they were using the church catering kitchen to cook weekend healthy meals for families in Hennepin County. Some may call it a coincidence, but I say we had a little help from the good Lord in creating this new partnership that brought Humanity Alliance into Carver County that now provides meals for the homeless, students, senior citizens and families in need. Oftentimes all we need to do is open the door.
Tom Redman
St. Victoria, Victoria
“Readers Respond” is a new feature in The Catholic Spirit. Respond to our next question, “What does St. Joseph mean to you?” in 200 words or less to [email protected] with “Readers Respond” in the subject line. Please include your parish and a daytime phone number.
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