Be Prepared: Begin The Search This January

This past weekend Deacon Pat, who is finishing his formation at Saint Paul Seminary and for whom we have served as his teaching parish the past four years, preached on “being prepared.” He started with the idea of making sure our winter clothes are ready when we need them. He encouraged us, adults, to remember our childhood. I didn’t need to remember my childhood, as I find myself frequently scrambling and looking for a hat, gloves, or even boots. As much as I try, keeping things organized is not a strength. In fact, just this past Sunday, I did some shoveling around the church. The two gloves I was wearing didn’t match. Thankfully I found two gloves in my car to wear. Unfortunately they didn’t match. So one hand ended up being warmer than the other. 

Deacon Pat spoke of the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation so we are prepared when Jesus comes again. Hopefully by now you have heard the words The Search being used at our church. 

Beginning January 11, 2026, we are going to offer this seven-week study. The Search is a popular video program produced by the Augustine Institute, a leading producer of Catholic video and print material, that explores life's biggest questions: the meaning of life, its purpose, where to find happiness, what about suffering, and ultimately the role of faith in relation to all these questions. It presents Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church as having the source for answers. It's designed for both Catholics wanting to deepen their faith and non-Catholics exploring Christianity, using beautifully filmed episodes, discussion guides, and Q&A sessions to guide viewers on a journey to discover God's love and presence in the Church.

The Search videos are hosted by popular Catholic speaker Chris Stefanick. Chris is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and television host who has devoted his life to sharing the love of Jesus and helping others do the same. His live seminars, TV, radio, and video ministry have reached millions, and his educational initiatives are turning the tide in the Church.

As we think of preparing ourselves this Advent Season, make sure to plan to participate in The Search. Set it now as an Advent pledge, a new year’s resolution, and the one thing you want to do to help you grow in your faith, love Jesus more, and help you become more the person you desire to be. 

We will offer several sessions during the week, times during the day and evening, when you can participate in The Search. There is also the opportunity for you to form a small group in your home. Why not invite some neighbors, family members, friends, and do The Search at your home? We will provide what you need to link to the videos. 

You may see me wearing two different gloves. Hopefully at least my boots will match. But more importantly, I am looking forward to hearing how impactful The Search was for you and experiencing it myself. Let’s together make The Search something we are talking about one, five, and ten years from now. Let’s make The Search that thing we have been looking for to better prepare us to welcome the Lord now in our lives and to prepare us for when we will be welcomed by him. 

For more information on The Search and to get registered, click on this LINK.

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