If achievement is a good thing, if it is part of God’s design for human beings, then surely it ought to be celebrated. As we’ve been hearing recently from our Sunday Scripture readings, and we hear again today, our God has created humans in His image and likeness, male and female, He created them, and He found it good. God so loved the world that He took on our human nature in the person of our Lord Jesus who exemplifies that life is best lived when we serve others.
Our parish has chosen to celebrate successes in various ways in the past. In this inaugural year of a new tradition for our parish, titled Donum Gratiae, we hope to find motivation from the Spirit of God for the future as we honor the past and celebrate the present.
I think the best way to think about celebrating achievement is through the categories of thanksgiving and praise. If it is true that God has gifted people, gives us opportunities to use our gifts, and uses our works of service for the sake of others, then it follows that when some good achievement arises, we ought to give him thanks and praise. Thanksgiving simply acknowledges that God is the source of all good things, that he has given the gifts, the opportunities, and the results. He has brought good things out of our feeble, imperfect efforts.
Praise declares God’s goodness and acknowledges the goodness of his deeds. It is the perfect companion to thanksgiving because we rejoice in who God is as well as what he has done for us. That is why our Pastoral Council and parish leadership decided this event will be held yearly the second Saturday of November.
Donum Gratia – the “Gift of Thanks” – has been established to recognize those associated with Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, Kansas who help define and advance our mission as Church. It is our hope that this event will inspire parishioners and guests as we continue to cultivate Discipleship and Stewardship. This will be an evening of celebration of our major accomplishments and those who have been significant in our successes.
Date and Location
Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 5:30 p.m., in Fr. Mick Commons.
Awards
We will recognize three individuals for their contributions. Awards include:
- Dorothy Flannery Award is granted to someone who has been a staunch supporter of Corpus Christi Catholic School and the higher ideals of Catholic Education.
- St. Benedict Stewardship Award is granted to someone who, like St. Benedict, is considered a model of Christian Stewardship, exercising stewardship as a way of life in the sharing of their time, talents, and treasure in service to our Church.
- Mary Frances Ruscha Award is granted to someone for their long-term commitment to Corpus Christi Catholic Church and the archdiocesan and universal Catholic Church. This honor can be conferred posthumously.
You may nominate individuals by visiting: cccparish.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/63/responses/new, or pick up a form in the Church narthex. Nominations are due October 14.
God Bless,
