Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.
This is Jesus' invitation to discipleship in Matthew 11:28-30.
Father Patrick M. Crino, Pastor
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Olive Branch Ministry - Listening to Those Who Have Left the Church
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Watch for ministry specifics to be published by July 15.
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"We're all broken vessels, but it's through these cracks the light of Christ shines brightest."
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Ministry Mission StatementSt. Thomas the Apostle's Olive Branch Ministry is a Catholic ministry embracing the brokenness that exists as a result of those whom we love who have left the Church. Ministry members are devoted to compassionately welcoming them to come to a judgment-free space where their stories can be heard, so we know much more fully the wounds that exist and the doubts and reasons for walking away. Our commitment is to listen and learn through presence and love. These stories are vitally important if we are fully to understand the fracture and seek to provide a more welcoming sacred space.
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Why the Ministry Name?Why was Jesus always going to the Mount of Olives? What’s the story behind one of the New Testament’s most frequently-mentioned spots?There are several reasons why Jesus may have chosen this ancient spot, all of them wrapped in rich symbolism.The Mount of Olives is first mentioned in King David’s time. When David came to Jerusalem, he dedicated a spot on the Mount of Olives to Yahweh. Before the Temple was built, people could go to that holy place to pray. It became a focal point for worship again when the Temple was destroyed.The hill’s name reveals much, too. The Mount and its adjoining hills look dry and mostly barren now, but at the time of Jesus—and before—it was a lush olive orchard. Olives meant so much to the Jewish people.Olive oil was a large part of their economy; many people made their living from manufacturing and selling the oil. Olives came to represent life and
prosperity. The beauty and hardiness of the trees symbolize strength and vitality. Giving someone an olive branch was a gesture of conciliation. The olives from the Mount, however, were even more special than those in other places. Their oil was used solely for anointing kings and high priests.These are the reasons, then, why Jesus may have selected this spot:- The place had a long history of sacredness and beauty.
- It had once belonged to His predecessor, King David.
- Its trees represented the placation of anger.
- It proclaimed itself as His holy ground with the priestly, kingly nature of its fruits and its soil dedicated to Yahweh.