May 21, 2020
by Mary Sellars Malloy
With whom have you shared the Good News of Jesus in the past month?
I am blessed to have opportunities to share the Good News throughout the country. This past Advent and Lent I traveled to Barling, Arkansas to co-lead two missions for Sacred Heart of Mary Parish (in Barling) and Saints Sabina and Mary Parish (in Jenny Lind).
What made sharing the Good News such a joy was the openness of the parishioners—openness to the Good News my preaching partner and I shared; openness to the stories and songs we offered; openness to the prayers and rituals we led; and openness to setting aside four nights to come together to grow in faith.
One Thursday, the most popular and athletic eighth-grade boy in the school came to choir. I tried not to look shocked, but I was most surprised that Jonathan joined us. After all, according to his classmates, boys singing in the choir just wasn’t cool. After choir, I thanked Jonathan for joining us, and I asked him what inspired him to come to choir. He simply said, “I didn’t think Joshua should be alone.”
After those particular mission travels, I reflected on how the hospitality and welcome of the parishioners gave me the strength and encouragement to share the Good News. My preaching partner’s flexibility and thoughtfulness freed me to use my gifts of song and storytelling in creative, engaging ways. And the parish’s thoughtfulness regarding our comfort created the environment my preaching partner and I needed for rest, prayer, and our daily work.
My first Sunday back at my home parish, as I spent time before Mass in prayer, I thought of my own parish’s priest and deacon. I know from experience that it is not always easy to share the Good News. Sometimes people are open to it; sometimes it feels as if ears and hearts are closed.
By the next Sunday, stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders were in effect, and churches were closed. One afternoon, my husband and I drove to the parish, parked in the parking lot, and prayed for our pastor, deacon, parish staff, and parishioners. We did the same at 3 PM on Good Friday. For even in this challenging time, our parish leaders—and most Church leaders—are finding ways to encourage us with the Good News and to focus our attention on the power and the glory of God. Let’s encourage them in return through our expressions of thanks and by our continued prayers.
Mary Sellars Malloy has over forty years’ experience as a Catholic educator and lay minister. She is a frequent workshop presenter on the topics of prayer, liturgy, spirituality, the Sacraments, and the RCIA. In addition, Mary leads retreats and parish missions throughout the country. Her goal is to encourage Catholics of all ages to appreciate and to live their Catholic faith.