July Pastor Column #2

My dear Kirkland Catholics,  

In the first reading for Sunday, July 26, Solomon asked for “an understanding heart” so that he can lead God’s people well and distinguish the right and the wrong path. The Lord blesses his request. It is a timely passage as we seek to bring this stage of our One Parish Plan to a close.   

Over the past year, a great many of you participated in the household census, discipleship survey, listening sessions, and other conversations. The Parish Family Advisory Council has considered our mission and circumstances through careful study, dialogue, and discernment. This has produced a proposed vision and set of initiatives that begin to answer the question: “Who does God want us to become?”.  

These proposals are not yet a final plan. I am now asking you to read them, discuss them, pray over them, and offer thoughtful feedback through our parish-wide survey. Solomon’s request should parallel our own. An understanding heart is a humble one that relies on the prompts and light of the Holy Spirit to teach and guide. That type of heart is able to see clearly what God “is up to” in the lives of the individual and the whole.  

That docile heart is what we need from one another now. Regarding the initiatives, we want honest reactions, including concerns about what is missing, unclear, or in need of improvement. At the same time, discernment asks us to look well beyond personal circumstances and preferences. It takes those things seriously, but considers them in light of the good of the whole body of Christ. This, then, is the lens through which we can humbly consider whether these proposals will help our parish family encounter Christ more deeply, grow as disciples, and share His Gospel more effectively.  

We may not all see every proposal in the same way, which is why this period of consultation – and our willingness to listen carefully to one another – matters. So, my ask is simply this: please take part. Read the proposed initiatives, discuss them with others, attend a Connect Event, and complete the survey. Most importantly, please pray for an understanding heart – not just for yourself, but for me, for our PFAC and staff, and for our whole parish family. If we sincerely seek what the Lord desires, we can trust Him to steer us well.  

With love in Christ,  
Fr. Brad