Dear Folks,

Summer is here. Summer in my childhood reminds me of lots of things: beaches, days adventuring in the woods, picnics, and roller coasters.

I read a column recently where a pastor was quoted as saying, “For so many, faith is a rollercoaster.” He went on to encourage folks to root themselves in religious practice and devotion, specifically the gift of the Holy Spirit which is piety. I like this thought.

Life is the roller coaster. I think of faith more as the safety bar which holds us firm and secure when life is doing backflips and tossing us in every direction. I was never afraid of roller coasters, because of child-like trust, and confidence in the engineering of these rides. Not to mention that Dad taught us to scream on roller coasters as a way of letting go of tension!

Your firm adherence to the practice of your faith is the bedrock that can and must keep you firm in the wild turns of life. Like roller coasters, a great part of the
joy in life is the exhilarating twists and turns and high speed adventures!

This week the Bishop has announced the return of the Sunday Mass attendance obligation beginning on Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27th. Please read the announcement here in the bulletin.

Summers often mean fewer people come to Mass. But there is no vacation from your vocation to be sons and daughters of the King.

It will be hard for many folks to reestablish the habit of attending Mass every Sunday. But I never got on a roller coaster without buckling down the safety bar. Let the Mass and your devotions be the safety bar that holds you tight on the roller coaster and be ready for the ride of your life!

pax,

Father John Mosimann