I have a confession to make. I get caught in a web that I find helpful, perhaps at times enticing, but in the end satisfies the desire that drew me into its tentacles in the first place. It is called the “search engine”. With the speed of the internet I can type in a word, or thought and within seconds I have more than I asked for in front of me. I must be honest, it is much easier than picking up the dictionary, heading to the library searching the card catalog, or scrambling through the periodical index to find articles, publications and newsprint that may be of assistance in my search.

I must also confess that on some levels, probably more from nostalgia, that I miss the trips to the library to hunt for the data needed for a research paper or a project that needs supporting information.  I also realize that some of the younger people who may read this article may not have a clue as to what I am referencing. If that be the case I can explain the antiquity with which I write!

Now that the confession is public, I realize that no matter how young or old we are there will always be a search for something. By definition search means, “try to find something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly”. Some of our searching may lead to goodness. Other searching, though intending to be “good” can lead to inaccurate information or even worse finding something that is not good for us. What I believe at the core of any search is a response to relationship.

An area of searching that concerns me revolves around religion, in particular, Catholicism. I am in agreement that there are many worthwhile and solid Catholic podcasts and websites. On the other hand, there is the insistent evil that pervades in some Catholic media and platforms which people “buy into” and believe. In their defense, with all that has happened in the Catholic Church, our credibility can be questionable. Thus, people are looking for a way to bash the church or discredit it without actually knowing the facts and more importantly, the teachings and precepts of the Catholic Church which go beyond the fallen humanity within the Church.

Our hope here at St. Paul is to give you honest, trusting and accurate information through our preaching, our social media platforms and programming. With the ability to reengage in formation events we are starting a series entitled,

“The Search”. This seven part program gives the very basics of Christianity from the Catholic belief system. It delves into questions, such as “Who is God?” “What do you seek?” Though these questions and many others seem basic they are the foundation to building a relationship with Jesus Christ. If we read Scriptures we see Jesus building relationships with the Apostles, the Disciples, the Religious Leaders and Civil Authorities by answering the hunger of their hearts. Jesus understand the deep search for holiness. Today we continue to search for the eternal truths. Jesus teaches us how to engage in the truth and thus obtaining the Eternals.

I believe we know people, including ourselves, who need the basics because honestly we are searching to know the eternal. We need to step up our game in the spiritual battle between good and bad. We need to have the basics to know how to build relationships and to search out those who are lost so we can bring them to Jesus.

I am entrusting you to invite those who are searching for the Truth (and many times they don’t know they are searching) and bring them to The Search. I believe we can make a significant transformation in our community by beginning the search for what is most important and everlasting in life, our relationship with Jesus.

And in my research I have learned that today September 26 is Fr. Colin Fricke’s birthday. Happy Birthday Fr. Colin!

Finally, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day there will be a blessing of pets on Saturday, Oct 2 at 11:30 a.m. outside the Gathering Space entrance.

In the Search for the Eternal,

Fr. Jim