Creating Connections
Parishioners & Guests,
In a world increasingly marked by isolation, disconnection, and loneliness, our family has found something truly different here at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
For us, participating in parish life has brought countless encounters that add joy and meaning to our faith journey. During the recent baptism of our newest son, Noah, we experienced a beautiful, full-circle moment with friends—a reminder of how our openness to this parish’s opportunities has led to connections that enrich our lives in unexpected ways.
This story of friendship began in the gathering space, where we often find ourselves praying for patience as our toddler, Theo, screams for mercy. One random Sunday in Ordinary Time, instead of sitting in the pews, Theo found his own connection to Jesus while playing with toy cars under the donut tables.
As Theo wound the wheels of his red car, it rolled forward and stopped in the hands of a similarly-sized boy we’d never seen before. The toddlers looked up, their moms’ eyes followed, and a friendship was born. “My car!” Theo screamed, just as Father Mahon began his homily.
Admittedly, Katie didn’t remember much about the monsignor’s carefully crafted words that Sunday. It didn’t matter, because Jesus had started us on a journey with new friends traveling a similar path, one filled with shared goals, sacraments, and the simple joys of living out our faith.
Like many others we’ve met in Rochester, one of America’s capitals of transitional citizenry, our friends were eventually called to a new community, a new church, and a new medical institution. But a friendship rooted in the Church is one that endures. A few Sundays ago, they returned to our co-cathedral and stood alongside baby Noah during his baptism.
The story of our friendship with the McGlothlins reminds us of the unique role the Church plays in creating connections that bring lasting joy and meaning to our lives. They anchor us in faith.
It’s been said that true happiness comes from a balance of four key elements: faith, family, friendship, and purpose. Arthur Brooks, a Harvard scientist who studies happiness, highlights this idea as well—emphasizing the importance of connecting with something greater than ourselves, nurturing strong family bonds, cultivating (a few) deep friendships, and engaging in purposeful work.
Active participation in the Church invites us into a community where Brooks’ pillars of faith, family, friendship, and purpose can take root and flourish.
As other social spaces in society fade, the Church remains an everlasting sanctuary for connection. Even in the shadow of a $5 billion expansion, the Church will be here—inviting you to connect with others in pursuit of something greater than ourselves.
I’ll admit, it’s not always easy. Being active in parish life takes energy, motivation, and commitment (and sometimes I just feel like being the first out of the parking lot after Mass!) In a culture that seems to value passivity, it takes the willingness to say, “I can do that!” instead of staying on the sidelines.
When we engage with parish life, we open the door to meaningful encounters. We meet new people, share our stories, and form bonds that transform a weekly obligation into a source of joy and fulfillment. These connections remind us that we’re not alone in our faith journey and that the Church is a living community where we are called to lift each other up and walk together toward Christ.
Every handshake during the Sign of Peace, every introduction in the gathering space, and every volunteer opportunity builds something greater than ourselves. Just like when Theo’s toy car brought two families together, their moms’ choice to introduce themselves turned a simple interaction into a lasting friendship—a reminder that taking the time to connect can lead to unexpected blessings.
Peace & Joy!
The Poppes