Dear Parishioners:
As you know, the school year has begun, and Religious Education will begin shortly. We are very blessed to have a Catholic school here in our Parish. In fact, we have one of the largest schools in the entire Diocese. Our school has not only educated but spiritually formed hundreds and hundreds of children over the past 50 years. I pray that we will continue that great work for years to come.
In addition, Religious Education plays a key role in the spiritual formation of our children. We need to practice our faith (especially by going to Mass on Sundays). I especially urge parents with younger children to take advantage of our children’s liturgy every Sunday at the 9:00 AM Mass.
However, Religious Education is not only for children. As adults, we need to grow in our faith too. In other areas of our lives (ex. work), we go to classes, learn new skills, etc. We also need to bring that type of mindset to our faith. We need to grow in a deeper adult understanding of the tenets of our Catholic faith. When you see various opportunities throughout the year, please take advantage of these opportunities.
While the new year begins in January, the start of the school year is the start of another new year in many ways as well. As we start this new academic year, I also challenge all of us to ask ourselves: “Can I be doing more for my parish family?” How about joining the choir (adult or children’s)? I have to say that when I process up the aisle for Mass, I hear some very nice voices in the congregation. How about bringing that talent to the choir? How about lectoring at Mass?
How about teaching in our Religious Education program?
I just want to challenge everyone to do just a little more. One of the images of the church has been the image of a boat. In a boat, everyone needs to row well. You cannot have just half the rowers working; everyone has to row. If you take a look at yourself and conclude that you have not been doing your share of the rowing, then do something about it.
Remember: Together, we can do something beautiful for God. In Christ,
Fr. Brian
PS: I would like to thank the following people who helped out on the Labor Day Parish Clean-up event: Mark and Elena Gruber, Gerard Reilly, Bob Ewald, Bob McLaughlin, Fina, Bryan Preble, Scott Williams, Frank Tortorici, Marco Lenza and Giulia Lenza, and their dad Joseph Lenza, Pat and Lou DeStefano, Larry Penny, Tina Parisi and her children Gabriella and Letterio, John Garvey, Richard Darmanin, Rich Rosso, Jeff Mortimer, Megan Ferguson and Joseph Consalvo, (who painted the curbs white – 4 coats of paint!). I think I have everyone but if I missed you, I apologize! We accomplished a great deal of work that day!