This is now our 4th year of having themes to direct our parish’s pastoral life for the year. The discernment for this year led us to the area of mission. When we are united to Jesus in the Eucharist, we are invited to go forth and share the love we have received with others. As baptized members of the Church this is not only an invitation, but an expectation that we go forth sent. Just like at the end of the Mass after the final blessing, we are told to go forth glorying the Lord with our lives. We know that with the many who are called not all respond. This is why we have chosen for this year, the pastoral theme, “SEND ME.” To say, send me, means we are not just sitting on the sidelines of faith. We are actively saying to the Lord, I am ready! Ready to love and ready to serve. The scripture verse is from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah states in chapter 6 verse 8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!” We have chosen a courageous saint to intercede as we make this journey. We have chosen St. Joan of Arc. St. Joan of Arc was born in 1412 and grew up in a small town in France. One quote attributed to St. Joan of Arc that embodies our pastoral year theme of Send Me, is “I am not afraid, I was born to do this.” Fear can often prevent us from going forward in the mission. Fear strives to discourage or stop us in our faithful service in the Church. St. Joan of Arc with her youth and courage, did not let fear keep her from serving the Lord, rather, she boldly proclaimed I was born to do this!