Dearly Beloved,
"To our God the Father, glory forever and ever. Amen" (Phil 4: 20). From our liturgical readings this Sunday, from Isaiah 25 to Matthew 22, the mountain of the Lord and the kingdom of heaven are described respectively in terms of the feast of rich food and choice wines, and wedding banquet where calves and fattened cattle are prepared for those invited. These images are an apt description of our parish picnic this past Sunday. We organized and invited all to the great feast of rich food and drinks (Guinness Stout was available for the Irish!). Those at our picnic on a rather chilly afternoon came, saw, and were conquered by sumptuous and delicious food provided by our generous parishioners. We all had a great time together: not to be left out, the kids had enough fun in the bouncer while the adults had the time to relax, chat and eat.
Thank you to all who made it a successful day. I don't want to single out persons or names, but I appreciate all who sacrificed time, energy, and money. But permit me to make an exception in saying a special thanks to Parish Council, CCW, Men's Club and K of C. To our God, the Father, be glory forever and ever. Amen.
On Saturday morning, the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, we had our First Saturday mass. The attendance was sparse, but our parish family still glorified Jesus through our devotion to Mary. Let me reiterate the importance of always praying the rosary, especially through October. This is a major means of fighting the ongoing spiritual battle against Satan and its demons, who seek to dampen and ultimately destroy our faith in Jesus. Use the weapon of the rosary daily. I anticipate a day when fuller parish members can pray the rosary together as a family before the month runs out. Thanks to Patti and others who led the Coast to Coast rosary on Saturday afternoon. Our Blessed Mother is happy. To our God the Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.
Another highlight of this past week is our monthly Eucharistic Adoration. Jesus was adored. Praise God! The attendance grew from about thirteen to sixteen before the closure. Thanks to our dedicated Young Adult choir (Stephen and the Baker twins-Elizabeth and Emily) for leading us in praise worship. We could show more love and worship for Jesus as a parish by increasing our monthly adoration attendance, especially as we celebrate the parish Year of Eucharistic Revival. I always pray and hope we have more of our parishioners attend- what a blessing it will be when we make Jesus a priority, like he said to Martha, "porro unum est necessarium-there is need for only one thing" (Lk 10: 42). All in all, "to our God the Father, glory forever and ever."
It is expected that as you read this bulletin message, I and forty-nine pilgrims are mid-way into our trip to Ireland. I would have prayed for all of you at the mass celebrated at the shrine of Our Lady of Knock in the town of Knock, where the Virgin Mary appeared to fifteen people on August 21, 1879. Hail Mary!
I am looking forward to our return to the US on Thursday and celebrating mass with you on Friday morning. Until then, go raibh Dia leat! (yes, you are right, I now speak Irish Gaelic!!!).
In His Joy,
Fr. Alayode Bernard, OP
"To our God the Father, glory forever and ever. Amen" (Phil 4: 20). From our liturgical readings this Sunday, from Isaiah 25 to Matthew 22, the mountain of the Lord and the kingdom of heaven are described respectively in terms of the feast of rich food and choice wines, and wedding banquet where calves and fattened cattle are prepared for those invited. These images are an apt description of our parish picnic this past Sunday. We organized and invited all to the great feast of rich food and drinks (Guinness Stout was available for the Irish!). Those at our picnic on a rather chilly afternoon came, saw, and were conquered by sumptuous and delicious food provided by our generous parishioners. We all had a great time together: not to be left out, the kids had enough fun in the bouncer while the adults had the time to relax, chat and eat.
Thank you to all who made it a successful day. I don't want to single out persons or names, but I appreciate all who sacrificed time, energy, and money. But permit me to make an exception in saying a special thanks to Parish Council, CCW, Men's Club and K of C. To our God, the Father, be glory forever and ever. Amen.
On Saturday morning, the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, we had our First Saturday mass. The attendance was sparse, but our parish family still glorified Jesus through our devotion to Mary. Let me reiterate the importance of always praying the rosary, especially through October. This is a major means of fighting the ongoing spiritual battle against Satan and its demons, who seek to dampen and ultimately destroy our faith in Jesus. Use the weapon of the rosary daily. I anticipate a day when fuller parish members can pray the rosary together as a family before the month runs out. Thanks to Patti and others who led the Coast to Coast rosary on Saturday afternoon. Our Blessed Mother is happy. To our God the Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.
Another highlight of this past week is our monthly Eucharistic Adoration. Jesus was adored. Praise God! The attendance grew from about thirteen to sixteen before the closure. Thanks to our dedicated Young Adult choir (Stephen and the Baker twins-Elizabeth and Emily) for leading us in praise worship. We could show more love and worship for Jesus as a parish by increasing our monthly adoration attendance, especially as we celebrate the parish Year of Eucharistic Revival. I always pray and hope we have more of our parishioners attend- what a blessing it will be when we make Jesus a priority, like he said to Martha, "porro unum est necessarium-there is need for only one thing" (Lk 10: 42). All in all, "to our God the Father, glory forever and ever."
It is expected that as you read this bulletin message, I and forty-nine pilgrims are mid-way into our trip to Ireland. I would have prayed for all of you at the mass celebrated at the shrine of Our Lady of Knock in the town of Knock, where the Virgin Mary appeared to fifteen people on August 21, 1879. Hail Mary!
I am looking forward to our return to the US on Thursday and celebrating mass with you on Friday morning. Until then, go raibh Dia leat! (yes, you are right, I now speak Irish Gaelic!!!).
In His Joy,
Fr. Alayode Bernard, OP
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