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Returning to Church
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“Let your life reflect the faith you have in God. Fear nothing and pray about everything. Be strong, trust God's word, and trust that God holds you close.”
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ:
During these weeks we have been afforded the opportunity to celebrate the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation for those members of our parish who have been prepared. As you know, like many other celebrations, we had to make 'other' plans, when the celebrations scheduled for earlier in the year could not take place. This has also been the case for couples who are intending to marry. Some have delayed the dates by several months waiting for restrictions to be eased while others have pushed their wedding day into next year in the hopes that all restrictions will have been lifted. We continue to adjust and adapt as events change from week to week, sometimes day-to-day.
It is heartening to see those who desire and are able to come to daily and Sunday Mass gathered to worship God. For those who have underlying conditions, the Mass continues to be live-streamed daily and at 11 AM on Sunday. Thankfully we are also able to live steam First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Weddings, and Funeral Masses for those who cannot be physically present. This will continue even after all restrictions have been eased. We have several parishioners who are homebound and who will be able to join us in prayer from their place of confinement - this is a blessing for them and us as we continue to pray for and with them.
Daily we pray for our nation, for healing and unity. It is sad to read of the desecrations and damage to churches and matters of religious devotion in various parts of our nation. Most tragic are the attacks on any sister or brother, from conception through natural death, which brings evil, shame, and dishonor to us and is an affront to the goodness and mercy of God. Each of us has a role to play in enhancing the lives of others and to speak out in the face of any injustice that seeks to demean or devalue human life. All, whether they acknowledge it or not, are made in the image and likeness of God. May we be mindful of that in the daily events of our living as we encounter and interact with others.
I am most grateful to those who support our ministry and outreach. To the members of this faith community who support our mission financially and prayerfully, thank you. Without you, we would find navigating these days the most challenging. Our outreach to those in need is an essential aspect of our mission here and so to those who donate to the Food Pantry, Bridges Run, and other outreach activities, thank you. Together we make a difference for others and so doing this when we come to praise and adore God we can be joyful in His presence and know that God will continue to bless the work of our hands.
To the parents, godparents, and family members of the recently Confirmed and those who receive Jesus in Holy Communion for the first time a word of thanks for your encouragement in the ways of faith offered to your children. You teach them how to stay true to the One who leads us and who offers us security in the challenges which come on the journey of life. May you continue to be models of faith for those who God has entrusted to your care. Be assured of my prayers for each of you, please continue to pray for me. I depend on your prayers.
Peace,
Fr. Richard
A PRAYER FOR OUR NATION, DIOCESE, AND FAITH COMMUNITY.
God, Lord of Heaven and earth, we praise you for the many blessings you pour out on us.
We thank You for this nation. Forgive the sins of our past and those of our present so that freed from their shame we may shape a nation which values every life created
in Your image and likeness from conception through natural death.
We ask that you lead us through these times of uncertainty, fears, and tensions.
You alone can bring peace which this nation and every nation needs.
Bring healing to the wounds of division and an end to the hatred that becomes so visible in times of unrest.
We thank you as a people of faith for our new Bishop Kevin Sweeney shepherd of this diocese. May he know of your unwavering love and support in his ministry. May he find in us a people committed to the Lord and the truth of the Gospel.
Bestow your grace on the families of this faith community
who have so courageously and generously braved this time of challenge with faith and trust.
May Mary, the Immaculate Conception,
to whom this nation is dedicated pray for us before the Throne of your Grace.
This and every prayer we utter in the name of Jesus Christ for He lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
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Today's Readings
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Reading 1 NA 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7Responsorial Psalm DEUTERONOMY 32:35CD-36AB, 39ABCD, 41Gospel MT 16:24-28
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