Giving the Gift of Self

03-28-2021Year of St. Joseph

St. John Paul II: Through his complete selfsacrifice, Joseph expressed his generous love for the Mother of God, and gave her a husband’ “gift of self.”

To think about: How can we give the gift of self to our family members? Neighbors? School or work acquaintances?

Also, during this Holy Week, think about how you can continue some of you Lenten sacrifices, perhaps in a smaller way, for those you love.

Take a Walk in His Shoes

03-28-2021Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week. These are the sacred days that define who we are as Christians – as disciples. Come, walk with Jesus in His final steps. Some spiritual advice: Don’t try to “find time” to attend these important events. You won’t “find” it. We must make time to spend with Him like we do with anyone we love. See the full schedule in this bulletin. Some highlights of the week:

READ MORE

Everyone Needs to Forgive Someone

03-21-2021Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“The practice of covering crosses and images throughout the church from this Sunday may be observed." 

The Roman Missal, Fifth Sunday of Lent

We delve ever more deeply into our Lenten observance with a “fasting for the eyes.” Today, we veil crosses and images of Jesus and His Saints. Have we taken these images for granted? On Good Friday the Cross will be solemnly unveiled once more. Then at Easter, all veils will be removed as the Resurrection of Our Lord gives us renewed access to eternal, heavenly realities with unveiled eyes.

READ MORE

Gifts from God

03-21-2021Year of St. Joseph

St. John Paul: “Joseph obeyed the explicit command of the angel and took Mary into his home, while respecting the fact that she belonged exclusively to God.”

To think about: All that we have and all those we love are gifts from God and are ‘on loan’ to us. How can we intentionally be thankful for those we love and other important people in our lives? Think about how knowing that our loved ones belong to God first might change how we treat them.

A Home for Jesus

03-14-2021Year of St. Joseph

Pope Francis said: “As Christians, you, too, are called to make a home for Jesus.”

Something to think about this week: How do we make a home for Jesus? – a home for Jesus in our home? – a home for Jesus in our neighborhood or our workplace? – a home for Jesus in our heart and in our lives?

You Deserve a Break Today

03-14-2021Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Knowing human nature as well as she does, the Church gives us a few “breaks” during Lent to keep our spirits up and to encourage us to keep going.

The first break is today – Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday, the halfway point of our forty-day journey in the Lenten desert. This day takes its name from the opening words of the Mass’ introit: “Laetare, Jerusalem …”“Rejoice, Jerusalem… Be joyful, all who were in mourning!” (From Isaiah 66:10-11).

READ MORE

Thirsting For Jesus

03-07-2021Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

First, an update on the location of Perpetual Adoration: A couple of weeks ago, an electrical problem in Old St. Mary’s made it necessary for us to move Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (back) to St. Claire Chapel. Thanks to everyone for your flexibility, and thank you for taking the precautions necessary to allow us to continue Adoration during the pandemic, even in a smaller space. By the time you read this, repairs to Old St. Mary’s should have begun. We hope to have our beloved old church up and running again soon.

READ MORE

The Silence of St. Joseph

03-07-2021Year of St. Joseph

From John Paul II’s Redemptoris Custos: Pope St. John Paul II writes that The only word St. Joseph spoke was his actions. … Our children may not always remember what we say, but what we do will leave a lasting impression on them. This is true also of friends and neighbors. They will remember us by what we do.

To think about: How well do our actions toward others reflect the truth that whatsoever we do to others we do to Jesus? Do we treat others in a way that they will recognize their own great worth as children of God?