Beloved in Christ,
As I set out to write my reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings, which explored the theme of living faith in God as a remedy for struggles with temptation and unforgiveness, I was caught up in visions of the events that had taken place in the parish over the last few days. The most outstanding one that comes to mind and view is the parish picnic held last Sunday on our church's sacred grounds. The occasion also turned out to be a surprise celebration of the Silver Jubilee of my ordination to the priesthood. I was pleasantly surprised and still in the spirit of jubilation at the number of people present, including my younger brother, Paul, from New Jersey and my cousin, Agnes, from Maryland, as well as the gifts and cards, the food, drink, and the beautiful anniversary cake. The entire atmosphere was one of joy. Not only was it a lovely and happy celebration, but I also felt the love and support of my parishioners.
On that note, in view of the beautiful and pleasant way you celebrated my milestone in the priesthood, I offer gratitude and praise to the entire parish. I know many of you worked behind the scenes to plan and execute all that took place, and although I couldn't identify each one of you in person, I would still like to mention a few people and groups. I am thankful to my entire office staff, who worked seamlessly with members of the parish pastoral council planning committee and were supported by the CCW, Men's Club, the Forgiven band, and others. All in all, we had a successful picnic, and everyone looked happy, with the children in particular seeming to truly enjoy the thrills of playing in the bouncer.
We returned from a parish pilgrimage to Italy only a few days before the picnic and silver jubilee anniversary celebration, and we had a lifetime experience because we had the privilege of walking through all the Holy Doors in Rome and the opportunity to gain a plenary indulgence. We will soon be able to share the spiritual and beautiful moments with the entire parish through picture and video displays in the parish social hall. I am equally thankful to all the pilgrims who traveled with me. I pray it turns out to be a life-changing experience for you all.
On a final celebratory note, on behalf of the parish, I would like to wish Joseph Fliss on a happy hundredth birthday. His hundredth (100) birthday is on Tuesday, October 7. Reaching a century is a remarkable phenomenon and milestone! I promised Joseph at his ninety-ninth birthday last year that if he reaches his hundredth birthday, the parish will celebrate with him. I hope to fulfill my promise by inviting us to come together in the parish hall next Sunday, October 12, after the 10:30 a.m. Mass to wish Joseph a happy birthday.
Remember, October is dedicated to praying the Holy Rosary. I encourage you to pray the rosary with the parish daily before Mass.
In Christ,
Fr. Alayode, OP
As I set out to write my reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings, which explored the theme of living faith in God as a remedy for struggles with temptation and unforgiveness, I was caught up in visions of the events that had taken place in the parish over the last few days. The most outstanding one that comes to mind and view is the parish picnic held last Sunday on our church's sacred grounds. The occasion also turned out to be a surprise celebration of the Silver Jubilee of my ordination to the priesthood. I was pleasantly surprised and still in the spirit of jubilation at the number of people present, including my younger brother, Paul, from New Jersey and my cousin, Agnes, from Maryland, as well as the gifts and cards, the food, drink, and the beautiful anniversary cake. The entire atmosphere was one of joy. Not only was it a lovely and happy celebration, but I also felt the love and support of my parishioners.
On that note, in view of the beautiful and pleasant way you celebrated my milestone in the priesthood, I offer gratitude and praise to the entire parish. I know many of you worked behind the scenes to plan and execute all that took place, and although I couldn't identify each one of you in person, I would still like to mention a few people and groups. I am thankful to my entire office staff, who worked seamlessly with members of the parish pastoral council planning committee and were supported by the CCW, Men's Club, the Forgiven band, and others. All in all, we had a successful picnic, and everyone looked happy, with the children in particular seeming to truly enjoy the thrills of playing in the bouncer.
We returned from a parish pilgrimage to Italy only a few days before the picnic and silver jubilee anniversary celebration, and we had a lifetime experience because we had the privilege of walking through all the Holy Doors in Rome and the opportunity to gain a plenary indulgence. We will soon be able to share the spiritual and beautiful moments with the entire parish through picture and video displays in the parish social hall. I am equally thankful to all the pilgrims who traveled with me. I pray it turns out to be a life-changing experience for you all.
On a final celebratory note, on behalf of the parish, I would like to wish Joseph Fliss on a happy hundredth birthday. His hundredth (100) birthday is on Tuesday, October 7. Reaching a century is a remarkable phenomenon and milestone! I promised Joseph at his ninety-ninth birthday last year that if he reaches his hundredth birthday, the parish will celebrate with him. I hope to fulfill my promise by inviting us to come together in the parish hall next Sunday, October 12, after the 10:30 a.m. Mass to wish Joseph a happy birthday.
Remember, October is dedicated to praying the Holy Rosary. I encourage you to pray the rosary with the parish daily before Mass.
In Christ,
Fr. Alayode, OP
RSS Feed