HEBRON – A group of Catholic faithful at St. Helen parish is meeting this summer to pray, read and discuss how they can add more “Holy Moments” to their lives and use them to make a difference in the world.
Gathering outdoors at the gazebo next to the church, Summer Gazebo Reflections attendees have delved into the book “Holy Moments” by author and evangelist Matthew Kelly, discussing how to “breathe new life into (their) parish, galvanize the entire (Catholic) Church and even shift the world toward a new era of generosity and love,” according to a statement on Kelly’s website.
“It’s really a simple message,” said Laura Roeske, facilitator for the adult formation program that concludes with sessions at 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 7 and 21. “Interactions and situations you have in your life can become a “Holy Moment” when you take the time to let God guide you.
“We live in a world more and more disconnected from God, so whatever we can do to get closer to him and pass it on, one, three or five times a day, is worthwhile,” Roeske added. “A ‘Holy Moment’ is a single act in which you open yourself to God and do what God is calling you to do, big or small.”
When Roeske asked the group if they are more conscious of sharing and receiving “Holy Moments” since they started reading Kelly’s book, Pat Hren recalled a recent day when decided to tease a grocery store clerk and got a kind response and a smile in return. “I think that’s what the world needs – more laughter, teasing and joking with each other,” she said.
Lynn Van Meter asked if a “Holy Moment” is “more about talking to God or interacting with other people?” Roeske suggested that the “good (created by the interaction) is coming from God.”
While a “Holy Moment” can be a small act like opening a door for another person or a smile directed at a passerby, it can make a big difference,” Roeske said.
Referring to the book, Roeske noted that “a ‘Holy Moment’ makes you conscious of God … and makes you a better human being. Reaching out to another human being makes you a better husband, a better wife, better parents, co-workers and friends.”
“I like to talk to people, and I find they will respond and talk to you (instead) of hurrying off,” added Van Meter.
Roeske asked the discussion group “How many ‘Holy Moments’ do you see in a day?” and offered a list of the “Ten Aspects of Life That Matter Most” where ‘Holy Moments’ may come up, including health, work, marriage, family, home life, community and personal growth.
In considering the ordinary, everyday situations that could be occasions for “Holy Moments,” said Roeske, her thoughts turned to St. Therese of Lisieux – known as ‘The Little Flower’ – who struggled with health issues and that prevented her from becoming a missionary and led to her death at 24.
When St. Therese felt constrained by her mundane duties in the convent, she turned her entire life into a “Holy Moment” by developing “Her Little Way,” explained Roeske. If she could not do great things for God through her humble life, St. Therese would “offer the totality of her life to the Lord by doing little things with great love for God.”
In that way, every moment of St. Therese’s life became a “Holy Moment,” noted Roeske.
“Most of us will never perform extraordinary feats of holiness,” Roeske read from a story about St. Therese. “She’s the saint of the little people, like us. She embraced the mundane aspects of her life, and her victory is that she simply loved God.” That description, added Roeske, was written by Bishop Donald J. Hying, formerly of the Diocese of Gary and now bishop of the Diocese of Madison, who greatly admires St. Therese.
As a way to inspire, Roeske lifted up the cause of “Holy Moments” by asking her readers, “What can you do to change the world? To me, that is a big deal, that’s THE question.”
Roeske gave a short list of “Holy Moments” that can change a life: praise someone, pray before making a decision, be patient with someone who is driving you crazy, affirm someone, go out of your way to welcome someone and clean up a mess you didn’t make.
“I will never forget the people who brought a dish when I was ill,” said Hren, “It seems like a little thing, but it meant so much.”
Nancy Cole said the book “helped me to be more aware of people around me. I am more patient and kinder.”
Roeske closed the discussion by suggesting that “Holy Moments” are “your tidal wave of goodness. There are no ‘small acts,’ because every act of goodness triggers more goodness and produces tremendous ripple effects.”
Kelly, in his book, takes it a step further. “We can transform the simple moments of our everyday lives into moments that transform us and other people to make it a better world,” he said.