On the Mount of Transfiguration Peter, James and John had an experience of God – an experience that was not meant to be left on the mountaintop, but rather to be brought down and shared among God’s people so that they may live. Each of us has a story of God to be told. Stories edify our faith and give glory to God’s on-going revelation in salvation history.

On Saturday, March 7, St. Basil Parish hosted a unique event simply called “Your Story”. It was an event that held no other agenda but to allow those who have a story of faith - to be told and heard. We gathered, prayed and broke into small groups and shared our stories of how we became part of the St. Basil faith community. I believe we came away from the experience reminded of the power and authority our stories have over each other. Moreover, because we gathered to tell our stories in sacred space, our stories became more than a collection of individual stories, but rather a sacred affirmation that we all hold the same ultimate desires for acceptance, love, understanding, forgiveness – a home. I believe that because of our stories we all left seeing each other in a different light – a truer light. Within sacred space, our stories reveal the inherent dignity of divine revelation and as such deserve a place of sacred sharing within a community of believers.

At a minimum, we agreed that this type of gathering is necessary for the life of our parish. As such, we will soon debrief and strategize how we can weave future opportunities to tell our story.