Making Time to Serve the Lord in Ministry
“Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be—and becoming that person” (St. Thérèse of Lisieux).
Monday began with the loud bell ringing of a cell phone alarm going off—for the third time. Messy hair and unbrushed teeth complemented dark circles and smeared day-old mascara that wasn’t cleaned off in the shower the night before. The warm, wrinkled down comforter, hugging her from a night tossing and turning, was trying to persuade her to press “snooze” one more time.
Her mind regularly raced in the hours that she should have used for rest, full of ideas and planning each moment of each coming day. Sleep was second to micromanagement of her mind, and “tired” was a word that didn’t truly encapsulate the heaviness that each limb felt as she struggled to push herself out of bed to start her day and work week.
Breakfast came and went, but coffee continued to flow like Niagara into her favorite mug, which said, “You Got This.” Somehow, this little quote always encouraged her and made her feel like her guardian angels were cheering her on from the grandstands, watching, shaking little pom poms, and shouting this phrase. It was only Monday, after all. She could use all the motivation she could get.
“Just get through the day; it gets easier,” she reminded herself after the last drip of coffee left her cup. She logged into her computer to start the day and scrolled through social media to check in on the day’s happenings …
Sound familiar?
The Shifting of Priorities in a Digital World
When we are busy or distracted, service typically takes the backseat. In our society, we find ourselves surrounded by constant visual reminders of how to be a better person, whether in the workplace, at home, or both. The shift from tangible printed media, which we could cast aside, to digital platforms has caused us to feel like we are constantly competing with others.
“How can she be so busy and still have time for herself? How can she cook, clean, and manage a household and a career?” we ask ourselves on a daily basis as we scroll. Ads and marketing software target us and our insecurities constantly, and we often don’t even realize it. Our priorities shift as a result, and we misuse time that we could otherwise spend kindling the fire of the Holy Spirit within us.
I remember the days when our parents checked the Sunday bulletin for opportunities to volunteer and families listened to announcements after Mass to find ways to give their time and talent. Trending posts, email blasts, and text-to-join evites were not even a blur on the horizon. It was up to the faithful to serve, with few visual reminders and more handwritten notes on a calendar or scribbles on leaflets hidden inside Sunday pocketbooks or missals. Families reminded one another, or ministry leads did so before and after Mass. Then, human connection was the electricity that fueled the faithful.
Preparing for the Sacraments was also a reminder for the importance of service. During Confirmation prep in particular, religious education teachers told us frequently about the importance of giving—and then giving more. A teenager doesn’t always move quickly, but it left a reminder etched on my heart.
Now, temptation and distraction are found immediately and, often, unconsciously. Doing what is right may even feel unnatural, and it takes time, passion, and more effort than it used to. It’s easy to scroll past a call to action and hide behind a screen. Too often, we feel like we’re contributing by “liking” a cause, sharing a Bible verse online, or simply “following” our diocese or parish. We feel that we don’t have time to do more.
Opportunities to Serve
The Church is founded in tradition, but many parishes are adapting to an increasingly digital world by calling the faithful to serve in a variety of ways. Evangelization has changed, and it is opening the eyes of many whom the Church couldn’t reach without these outlets.
How do we find time in our busy schedule to stay current with—and help address—the needs of the Church? With so many opportunities and so many distractions, we have to be intentional. It’s important to set time aside each day to intentionally pray about how the Lord is asking you to give of yourself and of your family to the Church. A great way to start is to attend Adoration, even for just a few minutes each week or each month. It’s amazing how full the heart can feel—and the answers you can receive—sitting in silence with the Lord.
Another option is to volunteer to bring the gifts to the altar during Mass or to ask if your parish needs a greeter before or after Mass to smile and say “hello” to people as they enter. These beautiful acts of love force us out of our comfort zone and our routine to bring us physically closer to Christ.
Small portions of time devoted to the Lord in a busy schedule can evolve into longer periods of time or open the doors for more opportunities or relationships within the parish. It’s amazing how it happens through the power of the Holy Spirit; we just have to take the initiative and let the Lord in.
The Church Needs Us
The Church needs us and calls us to serve, and not always in easy or popular ways. Being a Catholic is not for the faint of heart but for the strong in spirit. As a result of giving of ourselves, we grow closer to the Lord and live a life mirroring Christ’s. He taught His disciples that sacrifice and humbly living life as he did will result in eternal life in Heaven. Giving our time and talent not only feeds us; it results in our living a more joyful and meaningful life.
Christina Sabo is the director of marketing and communications for Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, Georgia. She strives to take in every moment of the day with a joyful heart, loves spending time with her family, and enjoys the great outdoors during her free time. YYou can follow her on social media or connect through LinkedIn.