From the Pastor’s Desk: September 12, 2021

“But who do you say that I am?”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks us the same question He asked His first followers. It is in some ways the most important question we can ever be asked. In our responses that are a reflection of our life of faith, many share in the belief that Christ is merely the long-awaited Messiah who came to set us free, a holy and good man, perhaps more than a prophet who announces God’s words and prepares his faith, an inspirational figure. Those responses are in a certain way the reality of many people for whom faith in Jesus is not the most important reality of life, sadly including many Christian Catholics. Therefore to ponder upon this, perhaps the most vital question is for us of a paramount essence. “Who do I say that Jesus is for me?” The proclamation of Peter’s confession of faith, that “Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God,” ought to be an inspiration and a challenge. Inspiration because of the power of his proclamation and challenge to grow deeper in our faith to embrace Jesus for Whom He is – the true God and true Man. We as the faithful confess with Peter that this is the faith that brings us together: Jesus is the Son of God, who does not only announce the words of God, but is their Author. And this act of faith requires our personal adherence to Jesus Christ, to take the responsibility for our faith and to open the door to spiritual maturity and the wisdom, joy, and interior peace that spiritual maturity and commitment to Jesus brings with it.

Although the dispensation from Sunday obligation was lifted several months ago, many of our parishioners still have not returned to personal participation at Sunday Mass. In addition to many new families who moved into the area in recent months and are looking for their new place to worship, in our efforts to reach out to them we want to introduce the “Share the Good News and Invite your Neighbor” campaign. We have printed door knob hangers with information about our church and we would like each parishioner to take at least a stock of 10 and distribute them in your neighborhood, beginning next weekend. The idea of the campaign is to invite and remind our neighbors to come to worship with us and together rediscover the greatest gift – Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. (See the bulletin for more information.)

Also beginning next week, we will start our preparation for our Stewardship Renewal Weekend of Time, Talent and Treasure that we will celebrate on the weekend of October 2 nd and 3rd. This year’s theme is “Come to the Lord and Renew you Heart.” Renewal of our hearts in the understanding to stewardship is fundamental for our life as disciples of Jesus and members of His church because it involves intentional, planned and proportionate giving of our time, talent and treasure. The Christian steward is one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cultivates them responsibly, shares them lovingly in justice with others, and returns them with measure to the Lord. Please, be assured that the extend of our involvement and support of stewardship as a way of life will directly reflect the future of our community.

This weekend is also the beginning of another 2021/2022 regular NFL season. I was invited by the office of the Head Coach to continue to serve our local Jacksonville Jaguars team as their Catholic Chaplain. This is going to be my 8th season with the team. It is really a great opportunity to minister to professional athletes, coaches and staff who long to grow in their relationship with the Lord in faith. I know many of you enjoy going to games and express your support for our local team. Please remember that it cannot be done at the expense of your participation in a weekend Mass. I invite you all to pray for a successful season, filled with God’s love, respect, protection, wisdom and commitment. Go Jags!

During this week, may we find an opportunity to proclaim Jesus as the Christ of our lives by our faith, filled with good deeds and offered in love. May our desire to live a joyful and active faith lead us to do something beautiful for God with our lives. “Prayer is about asking for things. Prayer is about putting yourself in the hands of God. Make yourself available to Him and learn to listen to His voice in the depths of your heart.” –St. Mother Teresa

Have a blessed week!
With Prayers,

Fr. Andy