STILL BEARING FRUIT

St. Laurence Catholic Church in 2022-2023

The just will flourish… in the courts of our God.

Still bearing fruit when they are old, still full of sap, still green;

To proclaim that the Lord is just; in him, my rock, there is no wrong (Psalm 92:13-16).

“Still Bearing Fruit” is the theme Fr. Drew selected for the parish this year.  Inspired by Psalm 92, the theme is likely part autobiographical, as Fr. Drew celebrates (this week, in fact) 20 years as pastor of St. Laurence, and on April 28, 2023, 50 years as a priest, his Golden Jubilee.

What a blessing for our parish!  In Fr. Drew we have a pastor who enthusiastically embraces his priestly vocation and loves his flock with abandon.  Health permitting and with the blessing of Cardinal DiNardo, Fr. Drew has declared that it is his desire to continue to serve the people of St. Laurence as long as he is able.

By the grace of God, Fr. Drew is still bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God.  And so is St. Laurence Catholic Church.

It has not been without its challenges, especially over the last 2½ years.  Throughout the pandemic, we have collectively experienced times of stress, doubt, division and exhaustion.  But quoting the wisdom of St. Barnabas in the 1st Century, Fr. Drew advises that when evil days are upon us, “we must attend to our own souls and seek to know the ways of the Lord.  In these times, reverential fear of the Lord and perseverance will sustain our faith.”

Reverential fear of the Lord – The Eucharist unites us as One Body in Christ.  In Him, there is no darkness and no division.  During the current National Eucharistic Revival, return to God with your whole heart and plan to attend events this year at St. Laurence featuring national speakers on the Eucharist.

Perseverance – St. James says it best: “Consider it pure joy when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4).

Gratitude – Our parish family came to Texas from all over the globe, bringing beautiful traditions that have enriched a Catholic faith community founded 37 years ago in a spirit of cheerful giving.  Thanks be to God, that great spirit continues to this day.

What will be your unique contribution to our parish story?

What Fruits of the Holy Spirit do you exemplify in your everyday life?

How do you know when you bear fruit?

Our parish mission statement reminds us that we are a people “centered in the love of Christ and live to glorify God in all we do.”  So let us stay centered in that Love, cling to the Vine and love one another as He taught us—and thereby bear good fruit.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another (John 15:16-17).

Sharon Ehrenkranz, Director of Parish Life