From the Pastor: Proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord!

Dear Parish Family,

At Saint Mary, Mother of God Parish, we are a mission-driven parish. Everything we do flows from the command of Jesus Christ: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). These are not simply words spoken long ago to the Apostles. They are the mission of the Church today, and they are our mission here at Saint Mary's. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called not merely to attend Mass, but to actively participate in the work of bringing others into a life-changing relationship with Him.

But what exactly is a disciple? A disciple is more than a believer. A disciple is a follower, a student, and a friend of Jesus who seeks to know Him, love Him, and imitate Him in every aspect of life. A disciple spends time with the Lord in prayer, learns from His teachings, receives His grace through the Sacraments, and shares His love with others. Disciples make disciples. They understand that the gift of faith is not something to keep for themselves but something to be shared generously with the world.

Saint Pope Paul VI famously taught that "the Church exists to evangelize." Those words remind us that evangelization is not one ministry among many; it is the very reason for the Church's existence. Evangelization means proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ so that others may encounter Him, be transformed by His love, and become His disciples. Every parish activity, every ministry, every program, and every act of service should ultimately lead people closer to Jesus Christ and His Church.

What does this mean for us as parishioners and parish ministries? It means that every one of us has a role in the mission. Whether you serve as a lector, choir member, catechist, usher, youth minister, volunteer, prayer warrior, or simply greet others with a smile, you are helping to create an environment where people can encounter Christ. Every ministry should continually ask itself: How are we helping people become disciples of Jesus Christ? Our mission is not merely to maintain programs; it is to make disciples.

One of the most important ways we fulfill this mission is through Saint Mary School. I know that I speak and write often about our school, and I do so intentionally. Saint Mary School is central to the mission of our parish. It is one of the most effective ways we form young disciples, teach the Catholic faith, and help children encounter Jesus Christ every day. In our Catholic Classical Liberal Arts School, Christ is at the center of every subject, every lesson, and every activity. We are not simply educating students; we are forming saints and scholars.

The Church herself recognizes the importance of Catholic education. Canon Law (the Law that governs the Church) reminds us that "all Christ's faithful are responsible for establishing and maintaining Catholic schools" (Canon 800 §2). This responsibility belongs to all of us, not only to parents, teachers, or school families. Saint Mary School is not simply the school's mission; it is the parish's mission. The success of our school strengthens the mission of evangelization for generations to come. Every student who encounters Christ in our school becomes part of the Church's future.

Therefore, I would like to ask every parishioner to become a promoter of Saint Mary School. Speak positively about the school to your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Invite young families to visit. Share our story. Encourage parents to consider Catholic education for their children. Help others understand that Saint Mary School is one of the greatest treasures of our parish family and one of the most important ways we fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. Together, let us embrace our mission, advance the Kingdom of God, and continue making disciples who will transform the world for Christ. We are blessed!

In Christ,

Father Jeff Kegley

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Pastor, Saint Mary, Mother of God Church