Ambassadors for Christ

06-21-2020Pastor's LetterFr. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

One of the most liberating, important Sacraments that we have resumed is Confession / Reconciliation. Because small, enclosed spaces are difficult to keep sanitized between penitents, the Deacon Waters Conference Room in St. Michael Hall has been outfitted for confessions. Beginning Monday, June 22, we will resume our normal confession schedule. (See the front of the bulletin. The conference room is located in the right-hand wing of the courtyard. “Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. … Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow” (Isaiah 1:16-18).

Unfortunately, we are not yet able to offer a nursery for Masses. Most of our staff for the nursery is over 65, and it cannot be managed with any degree of social distancing. Thank you for your patience. We welcome you and your children to Mass. If your child needs some time out of the nave, the narthex (main vestibule) is equipped with speakers and glass doors so that one can still see and hear the Mass.

From my homily last Sunday: Please, let us always remember that what you and I say, either through the spoken word or typed in a post, does not merely reflect a personal opinion. It reflects on the whole parish family of St. Mary’s in Aiken and the Catholic faith. Please, please remember that we are first and foremost disciples of Jesus Christ, and people know (or will find out) that we are parishioners here. Our question should be, “Would Jesus say or post what I am about to say or post?” If not, and if you and I are true disciples of Jesus – His ambassadors, then please do not say or post it. Offer your frustrations and other feelings you might have to Jesus in the Holy Mass, and He will transform them and give you Wisdom, Counsel, and His Peace. I wanted to reiterate a passage from St. Paul that I mentioned last week: “Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Ephesians 4:29-32).

Finally this week, as our nation celebrates Father’s Day, a prayer for fathers and fatherhood: Heavenly Father, we thank you for our fathers. They gave us life and continue to give us the wisdom to live our lives. By their examples of love, we know ourselves. By their examples of faith, we know you better. Invigorate our fathers with the love and respect of their children so that they may be encouraged, inspired and greatly blessed. Amen. St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, pray for them! Amen.

- Father Wilson

 

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