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The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Readings of the Day
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Take a moment right now to pause and remember the reasons why you
started your position. Why were you called to work in ministry? What
put you in this chair?  Who were you called to help?  How
were you led on this journey to these responsibilities right now?

Sometimes the tasks at hand overshadow our primary calling. 
It's easy to forget the old commandment that you had from the
beginning; the "word that you have heard."

For many years I worked in youth ministry, a career that is easy to
get jaded with and disheartened by.  Years three, five, and nine
were particularly challenging as I lost my passion and allowed myself
moments to mope in darkness.  I learned what "spiritual
dryness" was as I let everything I could offer be sucked out of
me in what I thought was life in ministry.

I know now that is not how we are called to minister.  Just as
Mary and Joseph knew the importance of presenting their child to the
Lord, so we must recognize the importance of offering up our work to
God through the Spirit. I tell our high school interns to read our
Mission, Vision and Purpose statement every day before they start
their work.  My hope is that they will be reminded of the impact
they have, even if it's just by filing papers for a few hours.

Humans teach that we must burn ourselves out to be successful workers,
but these are not the words of God nor the example that Jesus gave
us.  How many times did He withdraw to pray on the
mountain?  Do you need to schedule some time in your day consult
with the Father?  How might your mission, vision and purpose be
impacted by regular reflection time?

Whether you are reading this on December 29th, 2021 or you have opened
your email after returning from time off, make a commitment to weekly
remind yourself of your true calling this year.  This is how we
will walk in the light and continue to love our brothers and sisters.

For the last nine years Devyn Buschow served as the Director of Youth
Ministry at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in Duncanville, TX.  In
August 2021 she accepted the new position of Parish Relations Liaison
at Catholic Charities Dallas. She loves Nutella, her family, and the
Georgia Bulldogs.




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