Message of the Week May 11-17, 2024 - No Daily Mass

FROM THE PASTOR:

Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Ascension!

Like most dioceses in the United States our celebration of the Ascension of the Lord is moved from Thursday (40 days after the resurrection) to Sunday. This change occurred in the hope that more people would be in the church on Ascension Sunday to celebrate this important Solemnity. This celebration marks a significant milestone in salvation history. Jesus tells us he had to ascend to the Father in order to send the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit who is now our advocate and guide. But before Jesus ascends to heaven, he gives us our marching orders…go into all the world and proclaim (share) my message of love.

Dear friends, I will be attending the annual Priests Convocation at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana this week. Therefore, there will not be daily mass while I am away. Please pray for Bishop John and all the priests that serve our diocese. Our ministries are sustained by your continued support and prayers.

In the heart of Jesus,
Fr. Richard 
 

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MESSAGE OF THE WEEK:

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Mother’s Day blessings! A day that originated in 1907 when one woman invited her friends to share in a memorial service in honor of her deceased mother.

Today each of us is invited to celebrate with gratitude the woman who brought us into this world. For some of us it may not be our birth mother who has protected and nurtured us through the years, but someone else who has loved us very much.

But, why just today? Do mothers not deserve words of gratitude every day? And who is my mother? Jesus calls us to expand our understanding of motherhood. When his disciples told him that his mother was looking for him, he responded “Who is my mother.. .? Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my mother . .." (Matthew12:47-49)

In another passage, Jesus claims his feminine qualities by expressing his longing for everyone to experience his tender protection: “how often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings” (Luke 13:34-35).

These inclusive words of Jesus remind us that each of us-no matter our gender identity- carry within us the motherly qualities of tenderness and nurturing care for those entrusted to us, and for one another. Qualities so greatly needed in our culture.

Our “Mary’s Closet” ministry to mothers in need of baby supplies is truly one collective way of letting each mother know of our care and support.

While we have time, let us do good.

Sr. Clara