The early church

Our family had the opportunity to take our pastor from the last 14 years out to dinner this week, as a token of gratitude for all of his work. First of all, if given the chance, always get to know clergy. They have such interesting stories and perspective, and you never know what may come of it. Second of all, and more importantly, we got to talking about the incredible St. Thomas More community that has evolved over the last several years.

It is a huge parish, somewhere between 5,000-6,000 families with 7 weekend Masses, packed daily Mass, a thriving school, probably the most established youth ministry program in the archdiocese, and financially thriving. So in that sense, it can be somewhat intimidating. But once you get your foot in the door, get involved, and meet people, it can transform your life. Nearly everyone I now know in Denver, or who has been a part of my life in the last 30 years, is directly or indirectly related to STM. My parents' euchre club has 12 couples that are all STMers. All the parties and events we go to are full of familiar faces.

It doesn't have a cliquish feel; it feels like home. As Fr. Andrew said, it feels like the early church. A community where people support each other, encourage each other, worship together, share their resources, and thrive. Last night we were at a graduation party for two good friends who finished four years at the Catholic Biblical School here in town. For almost 5 hours, I watched as some of my favorite people in the world walked through the doors, little kids or parents in tow, bearing delicious goodies and congratulations.

With the young families there, we had 12 little kids running around and 3 more on the way. All the kids knew each other, as well as most of the adults, like a big extended family. Everyone took turns passing babies around, feeding the toddlers, changing diapers, hunting down sippy cups, and keeping the peace. No one really worried where the kids were, because the parents all knew that someone was watching them. At one point, my friend was holding her 6 month old and her 2 year old came up crying, reaching for her. In a seamless exchange, almost without words, another friend reached for the happy-go-lucky baby who couldn't care less who holds him (a great trait in the youngest of 4) while the 2 year old then was picked up by her mom. Crisis averted.

Then after some of the kids had gone to bed, we sat around chatting and picking at the dessert trays, enjoying each others' company. It was a much-needed antidote to the selfish, individualistic culture that is so pervasive today. A community that gives of itself, grows to become more than the sum of its parts, and so visibly embraces and gives life. I'm so, so grateful for this church family and everything that it has brought into my life, and the lives of so many others.