Forming Authentic Community
Hello everyone! My name is Sophia Wittenberg and I would love to share with you about my experience of community. I have been a parishioner at Saint John’s since 2023, though before that I had attended as a visitor over the years when going to appointments at Mayo Clinic. I realized right away the special way the parish invites those who are visiting and new to the area to feel welcome. I felt instantly at home at Saint John’s even before I moved here as a young professional. I am so grateful to be part of such a welcoming Catholic community.
Feeling welcomed has inspired me to get involved in the parish. As a Eucharistic Minister, I have appreciated the opportunity to see the strength of the faith of parishioners and visitors as they receive the Real Presence of Christ. It is so inspiring to see members as they take Christ with them into their daily lives. I have enjoyed getting involved in the liturgy in this way, as it allows me another opportunity to connect with the community as we receive the source and summit of the Christian life. Attending the Wednesday night Adult Faith Study meetings, where we discuss various Word on Fire series with Bishop Barron including his portion on the Eucharist, have complemented my ministry as a Eucharistic Minister. We have had wonderful discussions about Scripture and how to apply it in our daily lives, and I can see how these discussions enrich and help grow the sense of community.
Sophia and other parishioners volunteer at Channel One, 2023
I also have had the opportunity to go to Channel One food bank to pack food boxes for programs that benefit older adults who are food insecure. It is a lovely experience watching others in our parish live out our faith and work together to serve those who are in need. It has helped me personally reflect on the gifts and graces God has granted to me, and how I can use those gifts to serve those around me. One of the most precious gifts we can give of ourselves is our time. I try to reflect on that as I think about how I can give of myself.
I have attended the All Saint’s Club. We are able to gather to discuss different saints and how they can help us during our earthly journey. I appreciate these meetings, as it gives me an opportunity to hear about other saints I might have heard of, but not know much about. It has also given me more insight into how powerful intercessory prayer is!
Most recently, I have been part of a women’s Bible study with Michelle on Thursdays, in which we dive into Scripture and reflect on Salvation History and how that relates to our lives now. We are excited to continue our study and invite any who would like to join to attend.
Since I became a parishioner, I have appreciated the many opportunities to form an authentic community with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am extremely grateful to have devoted Catholics from every walk of life to grow together on this spiritual journey. Those around us are waiting to lift us up in prayer. They remind us that we are not alone and that we function best when we function in community. That is something that I have seen and experienced firsthand at Saint John’s. I am continuously grateful to God for all of you. I encourage all to be involved in these ministries at the parish in whatever capacity you feel called. Let’s continue to pray for each other as we continue this new year.
God bless!
Sophia Wittenberg