By Megan Rotert: For those of you that know me, I post pictures of my kids or funny articles about being a mom but I rarely post anything really personal on Facebook so this is definitely outside of my norm...Yesterday, I caught wind that there was an article in the Messenger this week in which my parents (Tome and Jane Condon) were quoted and I finally found a few minutes to read it. I can tell you I could not be more proud of them and the work of all of the committee for the unified church in Webster County.
I attended mass a few weeks ago with my family at Holy Trinity. It was the first time I had been back since the closing of the churches in Clare and Moorland, both of which we normally attended when we were back home. I commented to my mom how nice it was to see people from all three parishes, in one location, along with so many people from Fort Dodge. I was surprised by the mass and the large attendance. It reminded me very much of my parish in Des Moines, St. Boniface. For anyone that has ever visited that parish, it is large, vibrant, well-attended and ever-growing. While I haven’t always felt the same about the parishes back at home when I have returned, I have always appreciated the sense of community and how many familiar faces you see. I was surprised to feel not only the sense of community that I always do but a vibrant, well-attended mass, as well! At this point in my life, I’m just an outsider looking in but I hope those in Fort Dodge can feel it, too. It’s such a positive change!
Change is hard; I struggled at first in a bigger parish as I missed knowing most of the people attending mass as it's what I had always back home. Personally, I am not good at putting myself out there and meeting others. I’m sure that is a concern for many in Fort Dodge and for that, I can relate. That being said I have come to realize that you can make the Church as large or as small as you want. It may take extra effort to meet people that you haven’t grown up with all your life, but the blessings of doing that are countless and I can attest to that.
St. Boniface is currently going through a transformation, as well, so it’s been interesting already to see and be a part of a change with both. As Father Vince (our priest) says, quoting Pope Francis, “If you are not growing, you are languishing! “ I rarely quote the bible (and definitely not on Facebook) but this in one of my favorites and fitting:
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
I’m excited for the growth, change and future of Holy Trinity!