From the Pastor’s Desk: June 30, 2019

     The context for this Sunday’s Gospel sets the tone for the next months of Ordinary Time for us as it reaches a crucial turning point today. From now on, Jesus sets His focus on Jerusalem and the cross. A focus that eventually will bring the fulfillment of Jesus’ earthly journey – a journey of death and life; a journey of salvation; a journey that invites us into the very mystery of Jesus Himself. It is also a time when our journey of faith invites us to reflect upon our relationship with Jesus and the significant role Christ plays in our lives. Are we really one with Christ? Yes, we are, therefore you are invited and encouraged to enter our own journey in following Jesus- a journey that must follow in His footsteps. Accordingly, today's celebration places before us a number of hard, clear choices that we must make if we would follow Jesus - either we walk as "children of light," or we remain enslaved to "the darkness of error."
 
     The choice is clear - discipleship demands total commitment that focuses on the ideal – Jesus Christ. We must put Jesus and His mission ahead of everything - even in adjusting our commitment, perspective and relationship within our own family, friends and workplaces. We must put our hand to the plow and not look back. Is it truly possible? Never alone, but in close range of the presence of Christ, who leads us on our journey of life, surely may not necessarily make things easier, but for sure possible. What we need to experience that is our full commitment, dedication and clear focus – “I will follow You wherever you go!” There is no softening the hard edge of today's liturgy. In a world engulfed by war, terrorism, and selfishness, when we are easily seduced by the image of the "good life" promised in countless commercials, the Gospel's sharp message is a shocking—yet also refreshing—splash of cold water in the midst of the hot summer days. 


     On Thursday, we celebrate the Fourth of July - Independence Day – one of the most important national holidays. This is a day to thank God for the political and religious freedom we enjoy and to pray for God’s special blessings on the rulers and the people of our country. It is day to remember the basic principle underlined in the constitution that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” It is day to remind ourselves that we have a duty to protect these God-given rights and offer our support for those leaders who believe in God and who have character, integrity, experience and belief in inalienable human rights. Please join together for prayer at Mass on Thursday at 8:30 am.
 
     I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who was involved in our Corpus Christi procession. In a very special way, I want to thank the First Communion children – how wonderful it was to see you as a part of the procession, but also to our Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family, Altar Servers, Choir, Knights of Columbus, Ushers, Youth Ministry, Legion of Mary, St. Luke Child Care Center and Annunciation Catholic School for setting up their altars, and whoever else made the Feast so special. May the blessings of the Eucharistic Christ remain with you and all His graces and love.
     I am most grateful to the entire team of VBS who offered tremendously successful week of prayer and fun for our children. Job well done!
 
     Rocko Sorning, our Director of the Maintenance Department, will retire at the end of the month. I am most grateful for his years and service and dedication to our parish community.
 
     It is with great joy that I extend words of welcome to Virginia Vincent as the new parish bookkeeper. Virginia and her family are parishioners and I am very glad to have her join our parish team.
     I wish you a blessed and relaxing summer vacation.
     May God bless America!!!!
 
      With prayers,
     Fr. Andy