Stewardship Minutes

Good Evening. My name is Christine McLaren. I first started attending St Nicks when I was in elementary school and I am not sure if you want to know how long ago that was. The inside of this church has changed in appearance but not in spirit. I became involved in Stewardship when my children were old enough to visit the Nursery. That was when the Nursery looked a bit different too. I loved working with the children in the Nursery and met many new people. It is wonderful to see how the children have grown.

As my own children have grown I have been involved with Vacation Bible School, Coffee Hospitality and over the past 4 years I have been a Catechist with the Christian Formation Ministry. The goal of the Christian Formation is to help parishioners (in my case elementary age children) learn the traditions, live the mystery, celebrate, pray and minister to others, becoming ever more conscious and active in their faith. I attended the training workshop and was eager to get started. I was also a bit anxious – ok a lot of anxious – so much that I planned my first class lesson for weeks ahead of time. I thought to myself, I am not a trained teacher – what if I can’t answer their questions - I was wondering if I had made a mistake. I was worried I would fail the children. I prayed for guidance. What I learned was that there was absolutely nothing to be nervous about. The teaching manuals are wonderful lesson planners and guidelines. And the children are inspirations. We have a great time in Christian Formation I have even gotten my sister involved. Being a Catechist has been infinitely rewarding, it has strengthened my faith as well as being a good refresher course.

I do want to mention that I am not only a giver here at St Nicks, I am a taker. My youngest daughter was born with a Chromosomal Disorder. The St, Nichols Family has always welcomed her and treats her with love and respect. She is able to participate in parish life activities and events and hopefully will make it through her first Eucharist this year! You may think that this is not such a big deal but there are many places where a disabled child (or adult) is not necessarily made to fell welcome. My daughter has benefited physically and mentally from being a recipient of the the Justice and Peace Ministry of Equikids Therapeutic Riding program. Equikids has given her physical strength and confidence. It is a wonderful program staffed by some very special people from St Nicks!

The mission of our parish’s ministries is to proclaim and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through celebration of our faith and sharing our time, talent and treasure in service of the Kingdom of God. To some, like me, taking that first step can be scary – but I am here to attest that it is well worth it and you will be surprised to find out how rewarding it actually is to get involved. I will be available in the commons after mass if anyone has questions or needs an additional boost!

Thank you and God Bless.