Dear Friends,

The question I would ask parishioners is, when you come to Mass, do you feel seen? Do people know that they belong, that when parishioners reach out to them with a hello, a welcome, or an acknowledgement, they are seen? 

Here is what I mean. I have been having our Eucharistic Ministers offer communion while I go to the presider's chair during communion. It gives my back a rest, but something revealing has happened in my ministry. I see people. That means by a wave, eye contact, a smile, and maybe even words of encouragement, I let people know I see them. I see some people who might wonder if they belong because they look different, and my eye contact and smile say I see you and you belong. I see the youth and smile or wave to let them know I am glad they are here. (I'm really looking for kickers for Sunnyslope!) I know some of the parishioners' stories of their struggles, and my eye contact with them lets them know I am with them, and I see them. This really has been a great revelation to me. 

One of my favorite moments is seeing families with children as moms and dads try to guide their children through communion and back to their pews. In their struggle, I tell them through my eyes that I come from a large family and I am aware of what they are going through. I love it when fathers hold their children and guide their families. I see them. Fathers I have known for many years as their pastor, who have raised their children, and the children have moved on, I tell them through my eyes, you did good. 

Some may think Father is just taking time off from giving communion, or he is too tired. That is not the case. I see you, you are visible to me, my eyes, my heart, my soul sees you. You belong here. I see you.

FOLLOW POPE LEO- I am offering once again the three great sites to read and/or listen to Pope Leo’s unfiltered statements, talks, and homilies. These sites are great for helping us stay aware of what Pope Leo is saying, so we can discern how to live the Gospel. Vatican.va, Vaticannews.va, and a link to Pope Leo’s homilies are the three sites to use for the best understanding of what our faith teaches.