As we move into the second half of the Easter season, today’s Gospel focuses on the Father and more specifically on Jesus’ relationship with the Father– a unity so perfect that to see Jesus is to see the Father; to hear Jesus is to hear the Father speak. It is the Father who works in and through Jesus, who in turn invites His disciples to allow Him to continue His works in them, through their union with Him and though prayer in His name. To more fully understand our participation in the works of Jesus we are reminded that for those who believe in Him He is
“the Way, the Truth and the Life”.
Today we also celebrate Mother’s Day. It was Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948) who first suggested the national observance of an annual day honoring all mothers at a memorial service for her mother on May 10, 1908, since she had loved her own mother so dearly. Within the next few years, the idea of a day to honor mothers gained popularity, and Mother’s Day was observed in a number of large cities in the U.S. On May 9, 1914, by an act of Congress, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. He established the day as a time for “public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”
On this special day, let us gratefully admit the fact that we cannot return in the same measure, all the love that our mothers have given us and offer most sincere prayers, love, and support for all our mothers living and deceased. Therefore, united with families that are filled with celebrations, I want to express the profound gratitude we all feel for our mothers. On this day, I pray in a very special way, for the gift of motherhood through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God. May she intercede for each one of you and protect you in her own motherly love. May the blessings of God be sent upon all women who share their motherhood in the way of life, example, and inspiration they offer us.
It is great joy and honor to share with you that after an extensive search and evaluation of multiple candidates, the interview committee recommended and the pastors of ACS approved Mr. Steve Eiswert as the next principal of Annunciation Catholic School, effective July 1, 2020. Mr. Eiswert is no stranger to our school community. Steve joined our parish in 2013 as the Youth Director and has been involved with youth and young adult ministry for over a decade. He joined the teaching staff of ACS five years ago as a Junior High Social Studies and Religion teacher. Originally from Maryland, one of five children, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and Master’s in Educational Leadership as well as a Certificate in Catholic School Leadership from Creighton University. Steve and his wife Chiara, who is an ER nurse at Ascension Clay, live in Middleburg and have two beautiful daughters- Grace and Sarah. Please join me to congratulate Steve upon taking this new and important leadership role.
Bishop Felipe Estévez has approved safety guidelines to provide direction and recommendations for clergy as we progress toward resuming public Mass and the sacraments in our parishes the weekend of May 16-17, and May 18 for weekday Masses. The safety guidelines and recommendations reflect the most current guidance from civil and public health authorities and are aligned with the bishops of Florida. Please be aware that although we will resume celebration of public Masses, it comes with their own challenges and heartaches.
As we prepare to adapt the set of all new guidelines, policies, and protocols that will work best under the circumstances, I beg your patience, understanding, and support. Please know this is not an easy transition when we need to be accountable to the government, the church, and each one of you for your safety and common good. There will be a strict set of non-negotiable rules that will apply to everyone who plans to attend Mass in the church, far from what we would consider our usual worship.
Let us entrust ourselves and the days ahead to Mary, Mother of the Lord, for her loving care and protection. May her humility and wisdom accompany and inspire us on our journey of faith and may the Risen Lord empower each one of us with His loving grace.
I wish you a blessed, safe, healthy and peace-filled week!