COLLEEN SATHRE

Smiles

Is there anything more wonderful than the beaming smile of a child?
   A family story from the holidays got me thinking about the importance of a smile. A young couple with small children got together with a neighboring couple with small children. My three-year-old great-niece greeted a younger boy from the other family with a hug and a kiss. The small boy in turn looked at this little girl with a big smile, causing her to look up at her mom and declare, “He likes me.”

Has a smile ever changed your mood, day, or even your life? I can think of a number of times when a smile made a huge difference in my life — the smile of a new boss that conveyed a genuine respect and quiet assurance that this new working relationship was going to be a positive one; the unbelievable smile of a young man who stole my heart; the smile of young children in a classroom that said, “We are eager to learn.”

This can all sound rather Pollyannaish because a smile is such a simple thing. And we all know that there are lots of times when it is difficult to smile. When we are sick or suffering heart-breaking news — it is very understandable that we do not readily smile. And what could this discussion of smiles have to do with implementing our Road Map?

Implementing a plan is far more difficult to do than writing a plan. It takes a lot of persistent attention to the desired outcomes of the plan, designing strategies and actions that will achieve those outcomes, checking on progress, changing course when needed, and convincing a lot of people that the whole effort is going to make a difference and needs their involvement. And doing all of this requires a lot of genuine, heartfelt SMILES on the part of a lot of people.

So, as we begin a new year and a new decade, it is important to smile and remember that we all have a role in continuing our work to implement our diocesan Road Map for Pastoral, Program, and Facility Needs 2008-2013. But our task force chairs and co-chairs carry a particular implementation responsibility, and we need to do all we can to assist them. As you encounter these individuals over the next few months, shake their hands and give them a big smile and thank them for their dedicated work.

n   Dara Perreira, chair, and Rafael Mendoza, co-chair, Ad hoc Task Force for Leadership Development of Clergy, Lay Staff, and Volunteers. We extend particular thanks to Father Mike Dalton, who chaired this task force until taking on a new post and a major parish assignment.

n   Mike Weaver, chair, and Edwina Fujimoto, co-chair, Ad Hoc Task Force for Youth and Young Adults. We also thank Lisa Gomes, who recently accepted the critical position of diocesan director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

n   Jayne Mondoy, chair, and Carmen Himenes, co-chair, Coordinating Task Force for Faith Formation.

n   Carol Ignacio, chair, and Jerry Rauckhorst, co-chair, Coordinating Task Force for Homelessness.

n   Vincent Vernay, chair, and Peggy Leong, co-chair, Coordinating Task Force for Repairs and Maintenance of Church and School Facilities.

n   Marlene De Costa, chair, and Joseph Vierra, co-chair, Diocesan Land Asset Management and Acquisition Committee.

These servants are leading and coordinating the work of task forces made up of individuals from across our diocese and community. Their commitment will make a difference in our diocese for years to come. I can’t help but think that their witness to Jesus causes smiles to rain down on them from on high. Happy New Year to all!