More Than Sundays
As a young adult, I never thought about becoming a church member. After high school, I thought the church was unimportant, and honestly, romping outside my parents' house was a priority. Attending church was sporadic. I showed up late and sometimes left earlier than the precepts allowed. Later in life, I found that full membership in the church matters both spiritually and socially.
Now, my relationship with Jesus Christ and other people is strengthened in the church. Over the years, I’ve learned that Baptism and Confirmation are social aspects of church membership that increase the likelihood of a spiritual experience. Both changed my life and led me into community. I can guess my experience isn’t unique, and recently, at a church function, a young man wanted to share his experience of becoming a member of my church.
He says, "Hey, you need to know what happened after I became a parish member. I remember how welcoming you and the parish staff were as I prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide me in growing in the virtue of faith as I returned to the church. I moved to Austin a year and a half ago for work and could not manage my schedule to make room for active participation and service to God until June of this year. But the Ministry Guide & Discernment helped me create a path. The fruit of your work in the ministries you propose leads others to Christ. I am thankful and appreciate your time. I plan on attending a choir in-service later to explore possibilities to serve."
His comment testifies to the fact that accompanying anyone in a parish setting is how Jesus ministered. I believe there are many benefits to church membership, and below are my personal top seven:
Unity. I like being part of a larger community where I can help keep the Gospel Message alive.
Appreciation. Christ sacrificed, and serving others in His name is the least I can do.
Prayer. At times, I need to talk to God. The church has millions of beautiful prayers to practice.
Greater than me. The body of Christ is vast, and all members are called to the same house.
Family. Having a family requires leadership. I strive to emulate the Head of the Church.
Identification. I am Catholic, so service, sacraments, and scripture lead my life.
Holy Communion. I must receive Jesus in all ways; he is the bread of my life.
If you or someone you know would like to deepen the significance of church membership, please consider the following opportunity:
I cannot live life in the shadows, nor do I want to. Let’s chat, and I can introduce you to a meaningful experience of Church Membership.
