Lombard pastor plants seeds for a better world
Published Mar 4, 2008LOMBARD—Father Pete Jarosz, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Lombard, is encouraging his flock and others to do a simple task that shows a greater reverence for life, ranging from reciting a simple prayer to performing acts of outreach to the homebound. “I’m trying to put that thread of reverence for life in every fabric of people’s lives,” he said during a conversation with the Catholic Explorer in the parish office.
Father Jarosz is urging his parishioners of all ages and the faithful of other parishes in the diocesan family to participate by making a small addition to their lives. He continued, “Small things are important because so much we have in our world today and in our church seem like such monumental tasks.”
The priest understands that everyone is not comfortable or available to regularly pray outside abortion clinics as he does on a regular basis. But he is encouraging people to become involved in respecting “all stages of life.” Father Jarosz added, “What is important to me as a person is to reach out to people at that point when they are weak.”
At the beginning of Lent, he launched Forty Days Journey to New Life—practical suggestions on prayer, fasting, sacrifice, good works and community outreach. He said, “It puts into action a desire to cooperate with God in the carrying out of his will.”
In his parish bulletin, he suggested a few tips to the faithful. Daily prayers could include a special intention for an unborn child or dying person. A simple dinner each night could be complemented with a prayer of gratitude for life. Offer the day to Jesus—one who gives all life—when enduring sacrifices at home, school or work. Children can do something kind for their siblings, parents or classmates. If one can’t pray outside an abortion clinic, at least make the sign of the cross when passing by the facility. Reach out to an expectant mother or drop off a meal to a homebound neighbor.
The suggestions keep in mind the young and the old. Father Jarosz, who vividly recalls caring for his parents before their death, offered great empathy for caretakers of loved ones. The chaplain at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove said, “It was not my duty, but it was my privilege and honor to care for my parents. It’s my way of giving back to them for what they gave to me.”
Father Jarosz gave the Explorer a preview of Easter suggestions. He hopes to follow along the liturgical year and offer some simple ideas on how to promote a greater respect for life. He stated, “Our 50-day Easter Journey to New Life gives us strength, courage and wisdom to be defenders of all life—young and old, homebound, working or not, single parents, whatever our vocation in life may be—we together stand with the child in the womb, the elderly and our dying.”
The priest, who serves on the board of directors for Catholic Conference of Illinois, offered recommendations on how to walk on the journey. Homebound can pray in their homes and “offer to God the giver of all life your pain, suffering and your loneliness. Your sacrifice can bring hope to the world and protect the child in the womb,” added Father Jarosz. Students can pray for a greater respect of each other as well as spiritually adopt an unborn child, homebound person or a dying individual. Drivers can pray when they pass by an abortion clinic and pray “Jesus, Mary and Joseph help me be grateful for life and stand up for life.” Caregivers and loved ones of the dying need to remember to embrace the joys as much as the challenges. Eucharistic adoration is another way to pray for an end to abortion and capital punishment, as well as foster a greater respect for the elderly and dying. Lastly, he urges that each person be open to the will of God.
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