STAMFORD—Last Sunday more than 200 youth, young adult and adult facilitators made the celebration of the Spirit that is Rain Down come alive with their enthusiasm, servant hearts, engaged worship and deep reverence! Ignited and inspired by keynote artist and speaker, Tony Melendez, we accepted the challenge to avoid making excuses for why we ‘can’t’ and committed to using our abundant gifts and talents to do what we ‘can’!
Our time together was spent celebrating Eucharist and Reconciliation, packing over 300 Boxes of Joy, laughing with each other through ‘minute- to-win-it’ types games, nourishing our bodies with pizza and great desserts and nourishing our souls in prayer and adoration!
As rewarding and enjoyable as all these activities were, for me, the real story of the day is the beautiful display of community that evolved through the planning, preparing and experiencing of Rain Down. Under the guidance of our dedicated Core Team of catechists and parents, along with the support of our Diocesan Office and Staff of Faith Formation, our Confirmation candidates planned and executed every aspect of the event from ice-breakers to hospitality, to running the service project, games, dinner and clean-up. Assisting them were more than one hundred parents and parishioners: some helping out for the entire event, others offering their help in three-three hour shifts, many supplying refreshments and much appreciated behind the scenes support.
The experience of this event exemplified and solidified who we are as the Church of St. Cecilia! We are a community where ALL are welcome…ALL are celebrated…All are loved. We are disciples willing to share our time, talent and treasure for the growth and benefit of others. We cherish and respect the great diversity of gifts present in our family members and are committed to nurturing and validating one another as we live out our calling to act with justice, love one another, serve all in need and walk humbly with our God!
THANK YOU to St. John Paul II Institute for the grant that helped fund RAIN DOWN. Most importantly, THANK YOU to ALL who ‘worked’ the event, supported the Boxes of Joy service project and accompany our youth daily on their journey to discipleship and Confirmation!
Well Done Good and Faithful Stewards and Family Members of the Church of St. Cecilia.
Fr. Bert