Testimony: The Body of Christ

Serving the Mercy and Justice Commission gives me a different perspective as a parishioner at St. Ignatius parish. I’ve acquired a better understanding of how Mercy & Justice interrelates with the other committees and their ministries, admiration for all the parishioners who devote their time and effort to the committees, and confidence that my participation and presence is of value to the group. 

There are four commissions: Mercy & Justice, Faith Formation, Worship, and Community. Each of these commissions work together so that each committee or ministry brings the parish together as a community. The Mercy & Justice commission is an umbrella that covers many ministries under its canopy. Like the ribs of an umbrella connected to its underlying inner parts, the Laudato Si' , Shelter Meals, Simple Needs, Solidarity Network and the Advent Tree are all connected to Mercy & Justice. This commission, like a shepherd, guides and watches over these ministries. We provide support whenever possible and ideas to foster growth and fellowship.

When I first came to St. Ignatius over 20 years ago I felt as if I was just another person coming to Mass on Sunday at 8 am. I didn’t know anyone; I purposely sat in the back even though I couldn’t hear the sermon very well; I figured just coming to church fulfilled the Catholic ritual requirement. At the time, I didn’t know about all the different ministries, much less what commissions were all about. One day, a friendly face at the front door greeted me and handed me a bulletin. She asked if I would be interested in handing out bulletins to parishioners as they came in as well. I thought to myself that that couldn’t be too hard and felt I could do that. I was given a name tag, I took a handful of bulletins and handed them out to parishioners as they came in and even greeted them with a “good morning” or “welcome.” A return gesture of a smile or a good morning felt satisfying. I felt like I contributed something to the parish with the little that I did. Eventually, I wasn’t just a lump of coal sitting on a pew. I knew these parishioners and they recognized me when I greeted them in the mornings. I felt like I belonged to this parish and I was accepted. I didn’t need to be an educated scholar, a high-ranking executive or a person living well-to-do to be recognized as a parishioner of St. Ignatius.

Mercy & Justice has extended an invite to follow their team and I’ve acknowledged that invitation by giving my time, motivation, ideas and participation. The success of the annual Advent Tree benefiting so many people who are not so fortunate to receive a gift at Christmas; the Shelter Meals we support prepare and deliver food which go to a place in San Francisco that helps families experiencing homelessness. The request to donate gently-used clothing and shoes or hygiene products during Simple Needs offers clothing and essential items to people who are in need of a warm coat, shoes on their feet or a bar of soap to wash their face. These are a few of the committees under Mercy & Justice that have expressed a difference in my life as a commission member at St. Ignatius.

We are the Body of Christ called to feed the hungry, provide water to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead. Working on the Mercy & Justice Commission has given me the opportunity to touch many lives.

Opie Opelinia, parishioner and Mercy & Justice commission member

Lay Leadership Nomination Season