At the Service of the Church
At the Service of the Church

Written by one whose life intertwined deeply with the great personalities and events of the pre- and post-Vatican II periods, the book provides a unique perspective on the intellectual and religious life of the Church and indeed European culture during these exciting times. De Lubac says that it is not without embarrassment, or even more than that, that I transcribe some of the texts in which I am too central a figure. But I have not wanted, through some subjective consideration, to omit anything that might help to shed some light on the matters concerned. Because of the circumstances, from beginning to end, the point of view is strictly personal." In this book one finds an honest spirit that is without bitterness and self-pity, that on the contrary witnesses to a profound love of God and the Church. This book provides a perspective that simply cannot be found elsewhere.

 


Living a Life of Service

"One of the purposes of the Catholic Church, the universal church, is to serve everyone no matter who they are."  Words spoken by Penny, a parishioner at St. Paul's Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, Florida.  There are times throughout the year when you will find Penny at Church almost every night of the week.  She lives her life with a philosophy of serving others and expresses that belief through the Catholic church. 

Penny and her husband Robert have been married for 8 years.  Robert is an artist and owns a landscape maintenance company.  Penny is a land surveyor.  Together they are members of St Vincent de Paul Society.  As members of the society, they visit people in their homes to offer whatever help or council is needed.   Penny's heart is drawn to this one-on-one ministry.  She feels, "the people we help fall through the cracks."  Penny explains that those who call on this ministry always have to go to a government agency and wait in line.  They feel no one really listens to them.  St Vincent de Paul serves people in their homes, meets them in their own space, and gives them the dignity that each person deserves.  Penny serves along with the other members of St.Vincent de Paul as one of the many trying to make a difference. 

Another one of Penny's volunteer efforts is as a member of the Loaves and Fishes ministry.  Once every other month, the volunteers from St Paul's parish visit the Center of Hope.  Among other things, it is a soup kitchen serving the needy.  Most of the time food is served cafeteria style.  Those being fed grab a tray and stand in line for their meal.  Every other month it's different.  The volunteers of Loaves and Fishes truly serve the needy.  They don't just fix a meal for each person, they bring it to them and serve them as if it were a fine restaurant.  Penny feels proud to be called to the service of others. 

Penny is also a volunteer on the stewardship council and throughout the year helps out wherever else she is needed in the parish.  Soon she will be volunteering at St Paul's annual parish festival.  Often Penny has neither the time nor energy to volunteer and feels there are others giving so much more than she.  When Penny's husband, Robert, mentions his concern about her overcommitting herself she reminds him that he was the one who brought her back to the church.  Penny says, "All in all it's o.k. with him.  He is very supportive and is dedicated to his own ministries."

The dedication Penny has toward serving others is amazing.  It seems that God has opened her heart to the truth of each person being created in His image and likeness thus deserving great respect and dignity.  Penny did not have to search far to answer her call to serve.  She simply joined the organizations that were already in place in her local parish.  She has found the perfect ministries to fit her.  Penny is a wonderful example of how to show dignity to those in need.