by Mary Ann Todzia
While I was in the Ministry Preparation Process (third year) of the Pastoral Institute’s Lay Ministry Program, it was decided that I should concentrate on the ministry of evangelization.
My project was to begin a program called Matthew’s Mission in my parish, Transfiguration and St. Stanislaus Kostka in Maspeth. With the help of my supervisor Sister Jeanne McGorry, I began organizing and coordinating this evangelization ministry based on the Gospel of St. Matthew, with particular emphasis on the parable of the Mustard Seed.
Matthew’s Mission is a group that seeks opportunities to be Christ-like through good deeds and actions. Our mission statement is “To be a light, in the image of Jesus. To grow in our capacity of unconditional love and be exemplars of compassion.”
After only two years of existence, we have 18 regular members and meet twice a month. Examples of some deeds we have done include sending letters and packages to our troops, Earth Day give-aways, Holy Bible and Keep Christ in Christmas decal sales, Children’s evangelization flea market, helping our fellow parish organizations.
Most recently, we sponsored singer-evangelist Al Barbarino for a parish mission. Future plans include ministering to K-9 soldiers, Autumn-Thanksgiving Theme Fair and a Lay Ministry Fair in February of 2014, among other things.
Through our actions and deeds, we are spreading our love of God and neighbor. This year Matthew’s Mission was honored at the local Memorial Day Parade sponsored by Maspeth Federal Bank and the United and Fraternal Organization of Maspeth for our work with soldiers.
Matthew’s Mission could not have been created without the help and training I received in the wonderful Lay Ministry Program. The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways, bringing out the best in us if we choose to work with Him. Thank you, Pastoral Institute.[hr] Mary Ann Todzia is a member of Transfiguration and St. Stanislaus Kostka parish, Maspeth, and was commissioned from the Lay Ministry Program with the Class of 2012.