A message from your Interim Rector 9/23/2026
The clergy were on retreat/conference last week and we engaged with a series of metaphors about our faith journey and the work of the Church. One image was that of a boat in a storm. We had those gospel readings earlier this summer. You may remember one of them was of the disciples in the midst of a big storm and Jesus was walking on the water toward them. In reflection on that gospel story, we often focus on the storm; but perhaps we are to focus on the presence of God in the story.
A question that we pondered at the clergy conference was that of an anchor. What anchors your life in the midst of storms? What is the purpose of an anchor? Usually an anchor is dropped into the water to steady the boat and hold it in place. There are often many anchors in our lives - family, work, hobbies, purposeful relaxation, etc. In our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ, the anchor of our spiritual lives is God.
As we continue our parish journey focusing on God’s call to us, I invite you to reflect on where you have placed your anchor. Are you anchored in a past place which limits your journey? Are you so firmly anchored in the present that you can’t envision the future? Where is God leading you and what do you need to continue your journey toward God’s vision of tomorrow for you and for St. Catherine’s?
Sometimes we need to do individual reflection on where we are and where God invites us to be. We may also need to share our thoughts and our hopes with other Christians who are on the same journey of discipleship. I invite you to consider being part of one of the many adult formation activities at St. Catherine’s, so that you can gain clarity about the anchors in your life and what God is inviting you to do in your “tomorrows”.
Every day, we pull our anchor into the boat with us, in order to move forward. Then every night, we drop our anchor down to hold us steady in the knowledge that God is with us in our sailing and in our anchored places. The Church is a boat full of people called to work together to build God’s kingdom. God is our anchor and God equips us for the work of mission and ministry.
May you find God’s joy in your day.
Mother Pat+