Miles Handley: Contemplative in Action

(To learn more about our Lay Leadership Structure, click here.)

As I approach the end of my three-year term on the Faith Formation Commission, I want to thank the people who encouraged me to join and supported me throughout the experience. Although I had no idea what I was getting into, from the beginning it was clear that I was not alone, and that my ideas and energy were welcome even as I was learning the ropes.

I had already had great experiences volunteering with Hospitality, the Shelter Meal Program, and the Las Vecinas de El Salvador ministry. But joining the Faith Formation Commission challenged me to think more deeply about my faith and exposed me to the Ignatian concept of striving to be a “contemplative in action.” It helped me focus on aspects of my faith that I hadn’t examined in depth since I went through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program back in 2001. It's one thing to volunteer for a ministry, but another to understand why that work matters.

I learned so much from our explorations of racial justice issues in the Catholic Church and what it takes to be an anti-racist, such as persistent self-awareness and regular self-examination. Helping our wonderful community continue to grow in faith during the COVID pandemic through virtual means was also extremely meaningful to me.

The best part of the experience has been working with a strong group of inspired parishioners and committed staff. I have been so impressed, and feel so fortunate to have witnessed, how all the Parish Commissions work together to make St. Ignatius such a living, vibrant community of faith.