“Church Today”
Dear Parishioners,
In a world where clicks, likes, and views seem to matter most, we want you to know - at St Charles Borromeo, they don't. You do.
While technology has been a gift during challenging times, nothing can replace gathering together as one faith family. The smiles, the shared prayers, the music echoing through our church, the quiet moments of reflection-we were never meant to experience these alone or through a screen.
We lovingly remind our parish family that watching Mass online does not fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation. The Eucharist is not something to be consumed digitally; it is a sacred gift meant to be received in person, in community, together.
So come home. Come be present. Come strengthen the bonds that make us the Body of Christ. Your seat is waiting, your parish family misses you, and our church is more alive when you are here.
We can’t wait to welcome you back -in person- where faith is lived, community is built, and hearts are truly connected.
This is not a dismissal of online ministry. For the sick, homebound, traveling, or those exploring faith, virtual church can be a blessing. However, it should be a bridge, not a destination. The call of the Church today is to invite believers back into active, embodied participation—into worship that engages the whole person and community.
May the holy season of Lent draw us into the Church.
We will continue to stream for those who are traveling, family members who live far away, and those who are unable to attend in person due to illness.
Ten Principles for Saint Charles:
1. From watching Church to being the Church.
2. Log out of virtual faith, step into lived discipleship.
3. Church isn’t a stream to watch, it’s a body to join.
4. Beyond the screen, into the sanctuary.
5. From passive viewing to active serving.
6. Don’t just attend online, belong in real life.
7. Spectators observe; disciples participate.
8. Faith grows stronger when practiced together.
9. Church is not content to consume, but a community to contribute to.
10. From scrolling sermons to sharing life.
[Contributors: Stephanie Klino, Roger Bloom, Father Augustine, and our Pastoral Council]
Fr. Augustine Joseph
Pastor