Part XXII

Looking over the history of Catholic faith in the area, there have been the ups and downs, periods of growth and challenges of resources, as part of the ongoing story. Buildings went up and buildings were renovated, renewed, and even left behind in order to meet the needs of the faithful. Emotional attachments were formed, and tears were shed as people said goodbye to an identity connected with a parish, school or church building. Taking the example of Christ himself who asked us to leave all behind and bear the cross daily, it is the faith itself that has endured, and that matters most. We trust the Lord who promised never to abandon his disciples.

The connections between all the parishes and their people have been constant since the beginning, with Father Tonner welcoming all Catholics, not just the Germans, to find a place to worship at Saint Mary, Help of Christians. The early Christian community sometimes experienced factions among the various groups, and at one point in writing to the faithful at Corinth, Saint Paul calls out those who thought their status was above others because of some spiritual connection.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

It’s easy for us to fall into a comparative mentality because in years past that was encouraged as parishes and schools vied for recognition. But in all honesty, Jesus doesn’t call us to competition. He calls us to unity. As we move into the future, the strengths we carry with us from our past will be what we can build upon in the formation of this new parish. Like Paul’s reminder to those Christians at Corinth, we all belong to Christ, before any other allegiance. That faith is what has driven all those whose shoulders we stand upon. Like the old spiritual says,

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in his excellent Word. What more can he say than to you he hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled. Fear not, I am with thee; oh be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand; upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.