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The Diversity of St. Charles
Celebrating our Similarities and Differences
This Fr. Gerry Creedon homily was delivered at St. Charles on June 29, 2003
"THE FEAST of Peter and Paul reflects two different dimensions to the church's life. Peter stood for the conservative principle, a commitment to hold on to the tradition and to be faithful to roots. Paul, at least after his conversion, had a more progressive attitude. Paul wanted the Church to leave aside its moorings in Israel and open up to the variety of cultures found in Greece and Rome. They were apostles, leaders, and friends, but they fought. The Scriptures report, "Paul rebuked Peter sternly to the face." They had struggles, yet these two great leaders held the church together at its infancy while opening it up to a broader world.
That same tension goes on in the life of the church today. At St. Charles parish we strive to be faithful and rooted in our tradition, yet open to a variety of cultures and new questions.
Consider our demographics. We have older people who have been here since this parish was founded and still happily involved. Our seniors know it is their church. They belong here and have a place of honor.
Then come to the 6:00 PM Mass on a Sunday evening and you will see that 90% of the congregation are in their 20s and 30s, happily involving themselves in the life of St. Charles.
Euro-centered in its origins, St Charles opens its doors to people who come from many continents. Immigrants from Central and Latin America make up 1/3 of our congregation. We have members whose origins are in Africa as well as a large Asian dimension well represented by our Philippine Medical Mission.
Our School's Variety of Cultures and Religions
Probably nowhere is this diversity seen more clearly than in our school, which I hold up for reflection and celebration. St Charles School boasts a variety of cultures and religions, although everybody goes to confession. Sister Benedict has figured out a way that leaves nobody out. All the children of the school come to a priest, but only the Catholics have to confess. The rest may say they are not Catholic but would still like a blessing. Recently a student confused the opening line "Bless me Father for I am a Protestant" and said, "Forgive me Father, I am a Protestant". He was advised that this was no sin and blessed. The student straightened himself up from his knees, all of his six feet, saying, "Father, I needed that blessing because I'm playing basketball this evening for the Eagles." I believe they won.
At our awards ceremony, an award for religion was given to a little Muslim girl who has all of the answers whenever one asks questions about God. We have a healthier church when we not only hold on to who we are, while offering an open hand to the variety of God's people. It is a variety of culture, language, religion, ethnicity, and race.
In our parish and school let us continue in the footsteps of Peter and Paul as we follow the paths of fidelity and hospitality.