Greetings in Christ!
Thanks to all who prayed for me during my vacation. I really didn’t do anything except read, sleep and swim (there was an indoor pool!). My knee feels great because I was in the pool for hours a day and it was wonderful.
You may remember I told you about a little kitten named Lucy living in our garage. She has a brother who is there too. I named him Bob. So now we have two cats, one of which I see every day (Bob) and one of whom never lets me see her (Lucy). I will win them over! I know a lot of people are telling me to sterilize them and I will, but right now they are too young: these two are tiny! I’m working with one of our parishioners and when it’s time, I will trap them and get them taken care of. If either of these ferocious beasts approaches you, I’ve learned that the best defense is a belly rub.
On Friday of this week is the Feast of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a holy day of obligation and it’s really important that we all come and pray. We will be praying this Mass Thursday at 6 pm and Friday at 8 am. Either of these will cover the obligation!
I wanted to make a couple of notes about our confession times. We are so very blessed to have retired priests helping us and the cool thing is, they really enjoy coming here. Because of them, we have three priests working on Wednesday confessions (5 - 6 pm) and three, sometimes four, on Saturday morning after the 8 am Mass. Here are a couple of ways you can help:
Please go to the next priest in line – don’t ask people to switch so that you can go to your priest of preference. It puts people in an awkward position and, frankly, it isn’t good for us as God’s people or as priests. All of us priests are broken men striving for holiness and Jesus is in charge. Let Jesus pick who you are going to.
If you are thinking of returning to confession after a long time, this is your sign to do so! Jesus wants you free so very badly. Just tell the priest it has been a long time, and you need help, and we will be so happy to guide you through. Don’t let fear hold you back from love!
When we make the line for confession, please make sure and keep a good distance from the confession doors. I’m significantly hearing impaired and when we get too close to the door, people will whisper. Let’s make sure and back up the line so folks feel safe in their confidentiality!
I’m so proud to be your priest. I can’t believe how many of you are willing to come and stand in line and wait just for the opportunity to let Jesus forgive you and love you. Somedays I find myself overwhelmed with joy at your striving. Praise God.
As always, thank you for letting me be your priest. You are God’s Gift to me.
Fjk