Dear SSJ,
Over the past few weeks, I have spent a lot of time on the phone calling families and businesses who have supported our Fall Festival. My task was pretty simple: follow up on sponsorships, gather information, and most importantly, say thank you.
But somewhere along the way, those calls became much more than checking names off a list.
I began learning the stories behind the names. Some families have supported our Festival for many years. Some are sponsoring for the first time. Some are able to give generously through a financial gift, while others give their time, talents, prayers, or presence. Each person has a different connection to Saints Simon and Jude, but all are part of the community we are building together.
That made me think differently about this Sunday’s Gospel.
Throughout the day, the landowner continues going out and inviting more people into his vineyard: “You too go into my vineyard.” Some arrive early. Others come much later. Yet each one is welcomed and given a place.
Our parish community can look a lot like that vineyard.
It is easy for us to measure things by numbers, dollar amounts, hours volunteered, or how long someone has been involved. God sees something more. He sees every person who answers His invitation and every gift offered with a generous heart.
As we prepare for our 60th Anniversary Fall Festival, I have been reminded that the Festival is not really about banners, sponsorship levels, booths, or even fundraising. Those things help make it possible, but underneath all of it are relationships. It is families, parishioners, local businesses, volunteers, ministries, and friends choosing to be part of something together.
And perhaps that is the invitation for each of us this week: Where is God asking me to enter the vineyard?
Maybe it is through generosity. Maybe it is volunteering for a few hours, welcoming someone new, offering a prayer, supporting a parish ministry, or simply showing up.
There is room in the vineyard for all of us, and there is still time to say yes.
To every person who has already said yes to supporting our parish and our Fall Festival, thank you. It has been a privilege to learn your stories and to be reminded of just how generous the SSJ community truly is.
Blessings,
Katelyn Gonzalez
Office Administrator