Beginning in September 2023, the parishes of the Heart of Mary Cluster will begin “A Year of Care and Healing.”  We recognize that we are all in need of healing of some kind at various points in our lives, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. 
 
Our objective is fivefold: 

• Raise awareness of concerns or needs in our community, including some which are not often ministered to or perhaps not even talked about; for example, couples who struggle with infertility, survivors of suicide, and the unique challenges faced by first responders and caregivers. 
• Bring the needs and concerns of ourselves and others to Jesus through prayer.
• Encourage parishioners of all ages to take part in a variety of forms of prayer and acts of service for the monthly intentions.
• Provide parishioners and community members information and resources which address the prayer concerns highlighted each month.
• Bring people to Christ.

 Through our intentional prayers and outreach, we will make known the Good News of Jesus Christ as the source of our hope and the One who can bring healing to all situations if we open ourselves to Him.  Not only will we avail ourselves to the healing Jesus offers, we will bring the needs and concerns of others to Him.  We hope through our prayers and Spirit-inspired outreach, we might help others encounter Christ and foster a desire to be his disciples.

Why was this goal chosen?
 Our parishes, like many others, have experienced a decline in membership over the years as well as a decrease in participation among those who do identify as members.   We wrestle with how to compete with the many other activities and organizations that vie for our parishioners’ time and talent. 
 
Our cluster Discipleship committee has been reading and discussing the book Start with Jesus: How Everyday Disciples Will Renew the Church by Julianne Stanz.  It is clear this is where we need to start – with Jesus.   It is not a question of bringing people to our parish for activities and programs as much as it is a question of bringing people to Jesus so they might encounter his love and mercy and experience healing and conversion.  Active discipleship often takes root in a person’s life because of such experiences.   
 
Jesus met people where they were at, often in places where they were wounded.  Sometimes people sought Jesus out.  Other times Jesus found them.  And sometimes, people brought others to Him. We need to do the same – meet people where they are at, tend to their wounds, and point the way to Jesus.