Dear Parish Family,
 
As I was reading through the parish emails this morning, Mathew Kelly’s Dynamic Catholic popped up and it was an analogy of the best and worst traits of men and women.  Of course, I wondered which of these were on my radar.  Over 40,000 people participated in this survey.
 
What do you think and where do you fit, or need to improve on?
 
MEN                  BEST                               WORST
                               KINDNESS                                  SELFISH
                               INTEGRITY                                  UNFAITHFUL
                               SENSE OF HUMOR                    INCONSIDERATE
                               CONFIDENCE                              UNSTABLE
                               LOYAL                                          IMMORAL
                               RESPECTFUL                               MEAN
                               APPRECIATIVE                            APOTHETIC    
 
WOMEN           BEST                                    WORST
                               KIND                                             MANIPULATIVE
                              HONEST                                       SELFCENTERED
                              AUTHENTIC                                 UNFAITHFUL
                              CLASSY                                         MEAN
                              LOYAL                                           SUPERFICIAL
                              FUN                                              COMPLAINING
                              SUPPORTIVE                                ENTITLED       
 
We are taught of the Seven Virtues, which include the cardinal virtues of mind and character - prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, and the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity.  St. John Vianney said “virtue demands courage, constant effort, and above all – help from on high.”   There is never a time in our lives when we cannot look into our hearts and minds and think of areas which do not need improvement. As we reflect on our virtues, this is a time to remind ourselves of one of Fr. Stanley’s mantras – “progress not perfection!” As the scripture says, “be holy as my heavenly Father is Holy.”
 
Most of us try to be charitable, but again, can I be more so?  “Charity is the form, mover, Mother and root of all virtues.” St. Thomas Aquinas  
 
Let’s all take a good look in the mirror and see who we really are.  Am I someone that others see in a good light, or do I need to ask God to help me improve to who I want to be?   
 
Have a blessed day!
 
Mary Jo