Confirming Our Gifts, Renovating Our Hearts

Dear Parish Family, it has already been almost one month since I arrived in our parish. So far, I have greatly enjoyed being here on the Sunshine Coast, with its beautiful ocean and slightly warmer climate than Ipswich. However, the ocean, the shining sunlight, and the relatively warm climate are not the main things I have enjoyed, nor are they what I ultimately seek.

The Spirit of God did not allow me to be lazy or even slow in adjusting to the culture of my new parish, as we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation for our children and hosted the Divine Renovation Open House soon after my arrival.

The celebration of Confirmation is always a wonderful opportunity to see how God inspires our young people as they begin to form the blueprint for the future of their Christian journey. Personally, having both events during my first week was very timely, as they led me to reflect upon what I needed to “confirm” and what I was being called to “renovate” within my heart as I began this new journey.

Confirmation – First, just as our children received the gifts of the Holy Spirit at Confirmation, I would like to affirm the many gifts and unique ways in which our parish family seeks to remain vibrant. Our pastoral vision is to be a vibrant community. To me, being vibrant involves two important qualities: attentiveness and activeness.

I confirm and appreciate the attentiveness of our parish family. Being attentive is not limited to simply noticing the people around us. It also involves recognising each person’s circumstances, way of life, and values. At the same time, attentiveness means showing thoughtful consideration and support for others.

Since beginning my ministry in this parish, I have encountered so many people who have warmly welcomed and supported me. You have not simply said, “Welcome.” You have also asked me about my cultural background, my previous ministry for Ipswich and how I have been feeling as I settle into Caloundra. All these things are clear signs that our parish family is attentive to one another, and this attentiveness helps to make our community vibrant.

Second, when I speak about activeness, I am not trying to judge who is more or less active within our community. Rather, I believe we can agree that we are called to participate actively in the ministry of our Lord to encounter our Lord’s Mercy and Consolation.

I am still learning about our parish’s pastoral areas and strategic plans, but I have already been impressed by the many ways in which members of our parish family actively serve God. This service is seen not only in the liturgy but also in hospitality, the youth group, and many other areas of pastoral ministry. You do not lose your zeal for walking alongside one another.

Rather than simply waiting for suggestions from Fr Josh or other pastoral leaders, many of you are willing to offer your own ideas and take initiative first. This is a clear sign of an active and vibrant community. Let us continue to ask Jesus to guide us so that we may remain fully active in caring for one another and carrying out our parish’s pastoral mission.

Renovation—What am I called to renovate within my heart? While I confirm the attentiveness and activeness already present in our parish family, I also recognise that beginning ministry in a new parish requires some renovation within my own heart. Renovation does not mean rejecting everything that existed before. Rather, it means examining what needs to be strengthened, renewed, rearranged, or sometimes removed so that something may better serve its purpose. In the same way, spiritual renovation allows God to reshape our hearts so that we may become more open to his grace and more available to one another.

As I have embarked this new journey, I feel called to renovate my heart by becoming a more attentive listener. I cannot merely assume that the customs, expectations, and pastoral needs of our parish are the same as those of my former parish. I need to listen carefully to the stories, hopes, concerns, and wisdom that only our parish family has kept.

I am also called to renovate my willingness to work together with others. Priestly ministry is never carried out alone. It grows through collaboration, trust, prayer, and the generous participation of the whole parish community.

Therefore, as I continue settling into our parish, I ask for your prayers that Christ may continue to renovate my heart. May He help me to become more attentive, more active, and more faithful in serving God and walking alongside all of you.

Let us also ask ourselves: What is God calling each of us to confirm in our faith, and what is he inviting us to renovate within our hearts?

Peace, Fr Minje