From the Pastor’s Desk: May 26, 2019

 
     The Sixth Sunday of this Easter Season continues to direct us to the message of the Resurrection and the joy it brings. Today’s readings are about the effect of the abiding presence of God in His Church and of His indwelling in each one of us. In particular, in today’s Gospel, Jesus talks to us about Love and Peace and the Advocate – the Spirit of Truth. Our hearts were made for love and for peace, and will remain restless until we have them. The daily newspapers remind us each morning of how much our world needs this real peace and love. But love and peace are not things that we can just wish into existence; no matter how many songs and poems we write about them, no matter how long we talk about them, we will not experience them truly until we follow the means Jesus describes in the Gospel. We are only able to experience the fullness of the message when our hearts will open their doors for the gifts of the Spirit, who will not teach us what to believe, but to believe. Because “to believe” means to live out the divine indwelling, live out the peace given, live out of the mutual exchange of love between God and us and each other. Believing is living what the Spirit teaches us. Believing is an action that marries love with presence. Believing is to embrace the One who is the Prince of Peace and who is Love, who showed us the pathway to obtain true love, peace, and the presence of the Spirit. Believing is to keep His Word – His commandments.
 
     The Lord continues to transform our baptismal identity to become a greater witness to the message of the Resurrection. This Sunday at a special Mass at 5:00pm, we have the privilege to share in such a joyful occasion as we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. In the mission of the Gospel and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Felipe Estévez will confirm 41 members of our parish to be transformed in becoming true and authentic disciples of Jesus Christ. My young friends, I pray that the gifts of the Holy Spirit will forever dwell in your hearts.
 
     This Monday, May 27 ^th, we celebrate Memorial Day. On this special day we remember those who offered the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country. In the gathering area of the church, we have a special place where we honor all who died for the sake of freedom and liberty of the country with a special Book of Remembrance.
 
    I want to take the opportunity to congratulate the Graduation Class 2018/19 from Annunciation Catholic School, Bishop Snyder High School, and seniors from various other schools in our community. May our loving God continue to shower His blessings upon you as you advance in a new chapter of your lives. May you be an authentic disciple by embracing the values of the catholic education that you received and apply them generously in your lives daily. To all graduates– I offer my deepest and most sincere assurance of my prayers and support.
 
     The love, support, and transforming power of Jesus in our parish made itself visible last week, during our celebration of the St. Luke Spring Fling. I am very grateful to all who made our event possible. In a very special way, I thank the members of the PAT who organized the event and the many others who helped make the event and auction so successful! To individuals, businesses, ministries and donors who so generously provided items, gifts, and goods for the event – thank you!  All proceeds from the Spring Fling event and auction support the ongoing operations of our parish. Thank you to those who attended!  It was a blast!
 
Wishing you a blessed week!
 
Mary, Mother of Jesus – pray for us!
 
With prayers,
Fr. Andy