In “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Charlie Brown seeks the help of Lucy Van Pelt in dealing with his depression about the Christmas season as overly commercialized and not joyful. Later that day, Lucy asks Charlie to direct the upcoming Christmas play.  Charlie is incredulous as he has no experience in directing, but Lucy explains, “We need a director, and you need involvement.”  By the end of the show, Charlie discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

I have been writing and preaching about the doldrums, the anxieties of modern life, the trauma of the recent pandemic and its restrictions, and how all of this has affected religious practice.  Recent surveys confirm what we can see with our own eyes—fewer people in church regularly, fewer volunteers, and fewer community activities.  After an intense experience of lockdowns, social distancing, working from home, and resulting cultural and economic aftershocks, we find ourselves as depressed and confused as Charlie Brown.

Lucy Van Pelt was on to something when she said, “We need a director, and you need involvement.”  Next weekend, we will host our first “ministry fair” since the pandemic after each of the Sunday Masses at St. James. The ministry fair is for both St. Brigid and St. James and there will be representatives of various groups offering ministry opportunities, some unique to a particular church, and others jointly sponsored by both churches.  This is an excellent opportunity to take a next step towards becoming involved and helping our community grow.  Involvement allows us to see how our faith is more than worship in church.  I believe when we all become more involved, others will be attracted to the growing community that will be evident.

There is literally no downside to becoming involved.  As a volunteer, you are not “locked into” anything and will be able to tailor your involvement to your own personal schedule.  I am convinced that involvement and engagement are the keys to spurring growth and overcoming the doldrums and depression.  You do not have to wait to be called.  By virtue of your baptism, you have already been called by God and equipped with the gifts from the Holy Spirit!  Please join us at St. James next Sunday, November 19 after one of the Masses.