Dear friends,
As “normalcy” returns, our country is rebounding with a renewed zest for life. In other parts of the world, however, the pandemic’s deadly grip is far from over. So, while we thank God for our blessings, we must continue to pray for those who are still suffering.
On Saturday, our beloved Bishop John Noonan celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with 38 SJE teens. We praise God for these amazing youth and pray that the power of the Holy Spirit unleashed on them might bear fruit in their faithful response to God’s invitation to abide in him. We thank Bishop Noonan and Jon Trout for making this celebration a memorable one for our community. I am indebted to Tom Buddington, Schonda Rodriquez, Dawn Hurley, and Peter Odenbach for their efforts in communicating the love of God, instilling in our teens the beauty of discipleship. A special thank you to the parents and guardians for their sacrifices and shared love of God. Congratulations to our TEENS!
I would also like to congratulate Emily and Steve Swahura (check spelling!), recipients of the Knights of Columbus “Family of the Month” for May. Thank you for your continued dedication in serving our parish.
Hurricane season begins in the month of June. As people endowed with wisdom, we know the value of being prepared for whatever comes our way. As believers, we know the power of prayer and, therefore, pray especially to our Lady of Prompt Succor to avert the deadly storms and spare us from all harm during this hurricane season. Please pray this prayer daily:
Our Father in Heaven, through the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, spare us and our homes from all disasters of nature. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Also, I recommend that we pray Psalm 91 in appeal for God’s protection, verses 11 and 12: “For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
During the month of June, the Church celebrates some very significant feasts, calling for special time in prayer and with the Eucharist:
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ falls on Sunday, June 6, and I request that you make every effort to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist and receive Communion.
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 11) is the patronal feast of the Priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Since it falls on a Friday, we will celebrate Mass at 8 a.m., share a special Holy Hour from 3 to 4 p.m., and follow with another Mass at 4 p.m.
The Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on Saturday, 12 June, and we will celebrate Mass on that day at 9 a.m.
Father’s Day is on the 20th of June, and we will pray for all of our fathers during the weekend Masses.
Be Blessed!
With love, Fr. John