When I think of the word "start," one of my unsuccessful attempts to pass my driving school comes to mind. At that time, I was asked to perform the mentioned task and did everything to meet the applicant's needs. However, the coordination of all four limbs did not come, and a humiliating exit followed. When I finally managed to set the metal monster in motion during one of my subsequent attempts, the examiner realized that a near-casualty behind the wheel of a moving car was even more terrifying than the same person at the wheel of a stationary one. He concluded that it could be fatal for him the second time, and handed me the papers.
So, I have just wasted 537 characters and have not even distantly touched on the subject of the introduction. It does not concern a priest starting up (at least that is good news), but rather the pastoral year. Things will start happening at the rectory in September, and they will continue without major changes until the end of June. The "start-up period" is an opportunity for beginnings and improvements. If something is missing in the life of the parish, rush to the priest or the pastoral advisors with your idea now. Ideas like "I would like to do activity XY for my neighbors and am willing to take responsibility" are especially welcome.
In addition to coming up with something new, there is also the option to commit to regular participation in activities that are awakening from hibernation after the holidays. Lectures, introductions to Scripture, Bible hours, and religious classes for adults are returning. Various communities are waking up. It's enough to "make a round," look around, and then stay with something.
A new initiative should be the trial operation of catechesis for children during the Word service at Sunday Mass, so that especially those small parishioners who have not yet received their First Holy Communion can use their time in church more purposefully. It should also be noted that there will be a basic Christianity course for those who would like to be baptized, or at least want to know what Christians believe and how they live. If you know someone in your vicinity who is asking such questions, do not hesitate to invite them. Participation, of course, does not obligate anyone to baptism. Lastly, I would like to invite teenagers and young adults to the youth fellowship on Friday evenings, including those who may have given up attending last year. Each year, a slightly different set of activities and people is formed, and it also depends on us where we move forward.
May our parish have a more successful start in the pastoral year than the priest did in the driving school car! May it not stall and move together towards the goal, which is – what else – the Kingdom of God!
Štěpán Smolen
