W.W.M.D.
“A founder is the emotional energy aorta of a company. The energy that emanates from a founder attracts people and capital to the endeavor. When that energy goes away, it can feel impossible to do the job.” ~ Andy Dunn
This coming Saturday, March 4, is the anniversary of the death of Msgr. Robert B. Weis, the founder of St. Thomas More Church. “A founder is the emotional energy aorta of a company.” That is so very true. Without the zeal of Msgr. Weis as well as the support of Msgr. Hildebrandt, St. Thomas More may never have become a reality. Msgr. Weis was driven in his task and it showed.
“The energy that emanates from a founder attracts people and capital to the endeavor.” Msgr. Weis’ energy and drive caused many a person to commit to the project of building a Catholic church and community in Munster. As more people “invested” in the project, more money came in, making the dream a reality.
“When that energy goes away, it can feel impossible to do the job.” This is true as well. When a founder steps down, many people can feel lost. Change is difficult to accept. I remember following a long-standing pastor (17 years at a parish) who was also the founder. When discussions came about regarding different ministries, a phrase was often uttered, “We never did that before.” It was difficult to conceive of new ways to do ministry.
Often, when a founder steps away, people view what is being proposed and say, “What would the founder do?” That is why I entitled today’s reflection the way I did. I am sure there were many a “What Would Monsignor Do?” What would he do? He would encourage the people to move forward and continue to build up the Catholic community in Munster.
As we remember our parish founder, we remember his founder, Jesus Christ. We are all founded upon Jesus and we rely on His direction, compassion, and mercy. We ask ourselves quite often What Would Jesus Do? When we come up with the answer to that question, we are called to do the same.
Msgr. Weis had a vision for our community. His vision turned into a reality that has grown and blossomed throughout the years. Let us continue to live his vision by pledging ourselves to do the will of the Father.
On this First Sunday of Lent, we dedicate ourselves to continue building the Kingdom of God in our lives and in our world, inviting others to come and know the Lord.
FAITH ACTION: If you have not already done so, set some Lenten resolutions for yourself so as to use the season of Lent wisely.