Here are some notes about me & my experiences. I grew up in Hudson, Michigan and worshiped with Sacred Heart Parish. I completed a Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, Minnesota. I completed a Master of Divinity degree at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary of the West in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have served in a number of Catholic parishes here in the Diocese of Lansing. And, I have enjoyed a variety of ministries including: campus ministry, the Rite of Christian Initiation, hospital chaplain, youth ministry, and religious education for children. Most recently, I was at Holy Trinity Student Chapel on the campus of Eastern Michigan University.

Now, as the coordinator of social ministry here at St. Francis. I am certain that social ministry like all the other ministries, will require a faithful prayer life and support from all of you. Social ministry involves direct service and justice advocacy. This work is constitutive to living the gospel of Jesus. In order to live out our Christian faith we need three things: 1. service opportunities; 2. sacraments; and 3. study opportunities. Parish social ministry is vital. Many people are depending upon you and me to provide coordinated services. And, Christ calls us to work together as one body in service of Christ's broken members. I am privileged to be working in this ministry. The Lord has blessed all of us to serve Him personally in this parish.

I am glad to be working closely with other members of the St. Francis Parish staff in order to continue promoting educational/formational and service opportunities for our well-rounded Catholic community. Together, you and I, united with Christ present in the Sunday Eucharist are the "we" that will help people to experience Christ. Christ will provide for all of our needs according to His riches in glory. I am excited about assisting the Holy Spirit, as He motivates the people of God to serve one another in specific direct ways here at St. Francis.

Also, we will continue to network with other resources, churches and agencies, beyond our parish. I am pleased that we already have a good relationship with so many local social service resources. Together with this network we can help match real needs with the available help.

I have many hopes and dreams to share with you for this ministry which is constitutive to living the Gospel. I hope we will live for the Lord as a channel of His Will, His Mercy and His Just redistribution of economic and created goods. I hope to witness the Mercy of God, and reconciliation among groups of Catholics and other Christians. I hope that together we will become, ever more fully, true witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and experience a glimpse of Heaven right here.

I am looking forward to hearing from you. My door in the parish office is open, so stop by and visit or call 821-2121, or e-mail me at swright@rc.net sometime. I hope to learn about your hopes for Catholic parish social ministry, and about your experiences of serving our Lord Jesus through the least of his brothers and sisters.

Before the crucifix of Jesus, join me in this prayer of St. Francis to Discern God's Will. "Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart, and give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, wisdom and understanding, Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,
Scott Wright, BSW, M.Div.,
Parish Social Ministry

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