St. Paul Catholic Center is one of the 65 university parishes in the U.S.A.  There are numerous Newman Centers and parishes-with-an-institute-of-higher-education-within-their-geographic-territory; none of these share the same constellation of challenges as a university parish.

A university parish has a charter, given by the diocese, to serve as the Catholic presence to higher education, and to do so as a full parish.  We have a dual nature.  What is exciting is the energy of our Catholicism as it engages the conversations about society, science, and research; we take the same energy and insight into the wider community.  This heightened consciousness infuses pastoral care, liturgy, and formation with expectations of quality that are not expected of other parishes.  What other archdiocesan parish engages ecumenical conversation or discussion of issues like St. Paul?

The mission of St. Paul to higher education and parochial life cannot happen without a shared vision and mission by parishioners.  We hold that everyone has a part to play in the fulfillment of the mission (1) to welcome, (2) to be engaged, (3) for form leaders and (4) to reflect Christ to IU and the world, not just staff and clergy. When one engages in service, one discovers energy and joy.  So how do I as a parishioner participate at St. Paul?

First, I need to recognize and acknowledge the gift I have received through grace of baptism (and confirmation).  The gift of the Spirit is not a talent; it is more than that.  It is sometimes hard to appreciate my gift because I think that ‘everyone else can do what I do and do it as easily as it comes to me.’  Wrong!  And the gift of the Spirit exceeds ordained and professional ministry; everyone has a gift of the Spirit.  Until we take better stock of the gifts among us we are poorer in fulfilling our mission, and our vision of an able community is too limited.

Second, financial resources also support active discipleship.  For instance, formation has many venues: retreats, sacramental preparation, youth group, study groups, service trips, RCIA.  These contexts and the training of volunteers are supported by financial contributions.  Money is a means to spiritual ends here.

The practice of stewardship among us has sustained the programs and ministers.  The newly-founded development office is also enhancing support for St. Paul from alums and friends.  But we are at a critical juncture where we “hope to maintain” or we “grow the ministry.”  What is at stake is the current or hoped-for quality of our youth ministry, campus ministry, communications, and liturgy.  Finances might compromise these.  That would be a shame. How can we move forward?

1. I invite you to take a simple spiritual gift inventory and the accompanying interview to help discern your gift. 
This is for your sake.  It might be the discovery of a lifetime.
2. I ask parish households that have not made an intentional financial commitment to St. Paul to do so. 
About 30% of the parish supports regularly (about $570,000).  If another 30% were to be regular
contributors—at whatever amount seems just and generous—we would be considering ways to fulfill
our mission as a parish with less strain and worry.

I shall say more in a week…and I invite you to talk to staff, Finance Council or PPC members about this.  We do bear a unique burden in this archdiocese, but we also have the most engaging opportunities of any parish.