Holy Trinity here on Main Street has truly earned the title of The Mother Church of the Catholic Parishes in Franklin County. It all began in a long-ago era unfamiliar to present Holy Trinity parishioners. It was then, as it is now, how to make relevant in the lives of parishioners the two great commandments of God — the first, to love God with all our heart, all our mind and all our strength and the second, to love, care for and support all of our neighbors with that love that God has given to us.
As the parish begins to plan for its 150th birthday in 2018, we have to look back across the years and remember all that has gone before. Back in 1968, when the parish celebrated its 100th birthday, our parishioner Thomas W. Merrigan wrote these words:
“Holy Trinity Church stands today as a living memorial to thousands of lay men and women and clergy who have toiled through the years to develop what is now a total church. The hard pioneering years are over. Now comes the challenge for modern Catholics to perpetuate Holy Trinity Church’s great heritage, to earn and deserve the dedication, piety and sacrifice of those who made it possible.”
In many ways, today’s parishioners seek what their predecessors did: a Church where they can gather with their brothers and sisters, a place where they will encounter Jesus, in both Word and Sacrament. A place, where as each person’s life changes, is challenged and is transformed, there will be the constant loving presence of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All are on their journey. Each in a different time of their lives, but all seeking to satisfy their inner yearning for the peace and love that only God gives. This is the daily challenge for me as pastor and of our two Deacons, Joe Bete and Paul DeCarlo.
Saint Paul reminds us that each is given gifts, talents and skills to be shared. The parish brings these to life as the parishioners come together in various ministries. There are the parish outreach ministers that visit and bring Eucharist to the home-bound and nursing home residents. There are approximately 20 active parishioners reaching out to about 60 people who are not able to attend church.
The parish has six teams of five to seven parishioners that provide hot meals on the second, fourth and fifth Thursday in a month in Father Casey Hall. Each team receives baked goods and desserts prepared by the Rosary Society and parishioners. On average, 2,500 people with the need for a nutritious meal are served each year.
The Bread of Life program is a weekend meal provided to the home-bound by parishioners of Holy Trinity and Blessed Sacrament parishes. Confirmation students assist by packaging the meals for delivery. Drivers from both parishes and the Knights of Columbus deliver the meals and also do a check of the people receiving the meals to ensure they are OK and able to eat.
Within the Church, there are several ministries as well. Young people serve as altar servers assisting at our weekend Masses. The music ministry offers a place for our choir and for our cantors for each of our weekend Masses. These are, in addition to readers, Eucharistic ministers, greeters, ushers, and church staff. Ms. Laurie Tilton serves as Religious Education Director for the Greenfield Catholic Community, overseeing the sharing of faith with the youth of our combined parishes.
Other active groups in the parish are the Rosary Society and the Knights of Columbus who are so involved in the works of charity.
This year, Pope Francis has declared the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. This began on Dec. 8, 2015. The Holy Father has proclaimed this Year of Mercy because as he writes, “at times we are called to gaze even more deeply on mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s action in our lives.” Join with us for a special eight-week series entitled “Doors of Mercy, Exploring God’s Covenant With You” each Wednesday at 7 p.m. in our Father Casey Hall.
The Greenfield Catholic Community is made up of the parishes of Blessed Sacrament and Holy Trinity. All are most welcome at both parishes. Know that in my name and in the name of the other pastors and deacons of this county, you are always welcome to join with us for Mass, and especially if you have been away from the Church. Catholics can always come home. Please visit our website for more information at: www.holytrinitychurchgfld.org.
May God be blessed — in the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. Amen.