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We get to choose our friends. Generally they are agreeable, we share some common ground, and they are like us at least in important ways. We do not get to choose family. Somehow this happens through divine providence. In a way they just show up with some measure of reasonable presumption.
We call ourselves “Holy Family” and our anthem is “All Are Welcome.” Like family, people just show up with expectations. It takes generous hearts to extend an unconditional hospitality. It takes faith to believe that God is present and revealed for us in the stranger, the seeker, the visitor. The sincerity of our embrace is tested by those who require that we change. Change is difficult. Change your mind, your habits, your judgments, your demands. Hospitality is rooted in poverty. The awareness that the other is the gift most needed, the answer most sought. To share the table of community, the bread of life, a common humanity, without conditions or reservation is the miracle which makes a people into a church. Ancient wisdom tells us that “The path is made by walking.”
Come share our space, our minds, our hearts, our pews, our friendship, our faith. Sing with us our anthem “All Are Welcome.” You are a gift.
Monsignor Clement J. Connolly, Pastor
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