One of the great tragedies of Catholicism is that we have failed to convince Catholics of the importance
of ongoing formation. When a 60-year-old parishioner only knows as much about their faith as the 16-
year-old confirmation candidate we have failed. The same is true of many of our Catholic priests who
brag that the last time they read a book was when they were in the seminary. I am passionate about
education because I know how much better our faith AND our spiritual lives are when we feed our
minds.
My hope is that here at St Martin’s we will be able to provide formation opportunities that will appeal
to all and be of benefit to all. Some of these events will formation for ministry, helping us serve our
community better, whether it be in liturgical ministries, leadership ministry, catechetical ministry or
service ministry. Some of these events will have a more general focus, such as a talk on scripture or
environmental justice while others might be for a particular segment of the parish, such as parenting
or marriage enrichment. When these opportunities present themselves, I hope that you will avail
yourselves of them.
One of the first events coming up is in scripture. Fr David Neuhaus SJ is a scripture scholar steeped in
the traditions both of Judaism and Christianity. He will help us to understand the infancy narratives in
the gospels at a deeper level by making us aware of their roots in the Hebrew scriptures, helping us to
read them with “new eyes”. An un-Catholic habit that many of us have is to read scripture literally,
unaware that scripture is both history and theology. We cannot arrive at the truth / reality of the
scriptures without being aware of the dual nature of scripture.
A second formation event that I hope as many parishioners as possible will attend is the Archdiocese
Leadership Conference, on the 19th of October, held at Holy Family College, Parktown. The
conference is meant for not just those currently in leadership but for anyone who may in the future
exercise some kind of leadership in the parish. It is also a great event for catechists and those involved
in any ministry to attend. The theme of the conference is “Synodality in Action.” As I am sure you are
aware, the universal church began a journey in October 2022 of listening to the movement in the Holy
Spirit within the Church as we asked ourselves the question, “where is the Holy Spirit leading us to?”
This is the Synod on Synodality, which will conclude in October of 2024. Synodality at its simplest
means journeying together, listening to one another as we are guided by God’s Spirit. Please let me
know if you would like to attend and I will register you. The cost is R100 for the day, which includes a
packed lunch. If you would like to attend and cannot afford the cost of registration the parish will pay
for you.
Formation is important, not only for the personal development of the individual but also for the
broader community. Ongoing formation will help you to be a better proclaimer, EMOHC, catechist,
CWL member and just about everything else that we do here in the parish. I hope that you will take
these opportunities to grow in knowledge and in faith, for your good and the good of the Church.
I don’t know about you, but the current ‘storms’ in the world sometimes feel overwhelming. The
bombardment of news and social media means I’m constantly reminded about the wars, clashes of
religion, ideology, politics, destruction, violence against women, children, and animals, games of
power and images of a world in chaos. Some days the urge is simply to hide my head in the sand. I am
learning to recognise this as a yearning for a still point, a place of peace and stability that anchors me.
Dr Ela Manga, the author of Breathe – Strategising Energy in the Age of Burnout, suggests that “still
point is a moment in time when the noise of everyday life is filtered out and a deep state of peace, joy
and well-being-centred aliveness is felt” (2018:21). From a faith perspective, this still point is not just
a metaphorical concept but a reality rooted in our relationship with God. On a recent retreat
facilitated by Trevor Hudson, he invited us to speak these words from Isaiah 30:15 again and again:
“In returning and resting is our salvation
In quietness and confidence is our strength.”
I’m aware that scripture frequently uses the imagery of storms to describe the trials and tribulations
we face. Jesus calmed the raging sea, demonstrating his authority over chaos and fear (Mark 4:35-
41). This passage is not only a testament to his power but also an invitation to us to trust him in the
midst of the noise and the chaos. When the disciples panicked, Jesus was asleep in the boat,
undisturbed by the surrounding turmoil. His calm presence amidst the storm is a powerful reminder
that external circumstances do not have to govern my inner peace.
Finding a still point may require an intentional shift in focus. Instead of being consumed by the storm,
scripture invites us to fix our eyes on Christ. Isaiah 26:3 tells us, “You will keep in perfect peace those
whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” This steadfastness, this unwavering trust, is
our still point. It is not found in the absence of storms but in the presence of God within them.
I am reminded that centering prayer and meditation on Scripture are essential practices in cultivating
this inner peace. In the quietness of centering prayer, God reminds us that God is with us and has not
abandoned us. The awareness of a great love at the centre of the universe becomes the still point.
I recognise that by focusing on God’s faithfulness and the blessings in my life, I counterbalance the
weight of the raging storm. Gratitude shifts my perspective from what I lack or fear to what I have
been given, anchoring me in the reality of God’s goodness – the still point.
For me, nature and retreating in silence offers another still point. A homecoming to my senses and a
canvas for noticing and sensing the divine love within and around me. Aliveness comes in the space
where the wind cleanses my soul, where the ground embraces my weary vulnerability and I am
invited again to breathe:
“In returning and resting is our salvation
In quietness and confidence is our strength”.
Can I suggest that finding a still point in the midst of the storm is a journey of faith? It is about
trusting in God’s presence and power, regardless of how turbulent the storms and chaos may be.
This still point is not the absence of difficulty but the presence of peace that comes from knowing that
God’s great love is at the centre of this sphere of life and chaos we call home.
