We will have a farewell reception for Fr, Scott Sina as he leaves to begin his ministry at our Diocesan mission of Banica in the Dominican Republic! Join us on Tuesday May 30 from 5-8 in the PLC to wish Father Sina well and to thank him for his ministry to St Mary!
Dear Folks,
Have a Blessed Feast of Pentecost, Happy Memorial Day, and Greetings from Ireland!
The Feast of Pentecost is one that should give us great hope and enthusiasm for living our faith in the face of difficulty. One of the titles for the Holy Spirit is the Consoler. What an inspiration to know that God has this nickname which describes He Himself granting us his consolation! This is why it is a work of mercy to console the grieving.
This weekend we also remember those who have paid the ultimate price of laying down their lives for the purpose of defending not only our country, but others in the world to whose aid we have often come. Tomorrow, as you enjoy the rest of the holiday, don’t forget to say a prayer for those who have sacrificed to make possible so much of what we hold dear. Also beg our Lord to console the families and friends of those who have perished, as God wants us to carry on this work of His.
Many of you know Margaret Ford, a parishioner and travel agent. Today we got to visit the town where she was born and raised. The church was built by the ‘exiles’ in the US and the pastor made several trips to the US to fund the construction. Dedicated in 1887, they are still grateful to those who funded the construction, and had the US flag flying when we arrived!
I look forward to seeing you all when I return from Ireland and send along a few pictures as well! We will see which ones the bulletin editor selects! See you soon.
pax et bonum,
Father John Mosimann,
More information available on the video linked to the image above.
Dear Folks,
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Jesus’ final apparition ends with the irreversible entry of his humanity into divine glory, symbolized by the cloud and by heaven, where he is seated from that time forward at God’s right hand” (No. 659).
Do you wonder what would have happened had he not ascended? Would we all be sitting by idly waiting in a lifelong line to get to shake his hand? And would we all be looking for him to fix everything asap?
One, Jesus forever sits at the right hand of God to intercede for us! This should not be lost, that he did not ascend to leave us alone, but to ever intercede before the throne of the Father! Sometimes our images of heaven can be very entertaining (no, heaven is not as pictured in the Simpsons)! But to know that the Lord is obtaining grace up grace for us should be a consolation!
Two, Jesus left so that he could send us the Spirit. His ascension has ushered in the age of sacrament and of the church. You need not go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and wait in a forever line to see him. We just gave him to hundreds of seven year olds in First Communion! And His Spirit was just given to more than a hundred and eighty teens! His work on earth is not complete, but has moved into a mode where he has asked us to bear witness and make disciples.
My first pastor, when I was ordained, was Fr. Robert Avella. He was so good as a pastor to a new priest. He assigned me tasks and areas of responsibility, but had my back with the authority needed! When Our Lord gives us a task, like making disciples of all nations, he gives us the grace, and spiritual power to do so!
I think that is one reason for the ascension: so we wouldn’t sit around watching, and would roll up our sleeves! His authority and power are not lessened by delegation. What a privilege to be disciples and witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Be what you are!
pax et bonum.
Father John Mosimann
