Dear Parishioners:
As I write this letter, I am looking out on our back fields, and I see all the rides are put up for the Fall Family Feast. I hope it will be an enjoyable time for everyone, both young and old, though I suspect that kids will enjoy the rides the most!
Parish life is in full swing here at St. Patrick. Religious Education has started, and the school has been in session since Labor Day. I told a few eighth graders the other day that we already have had 18 school days, so 10% of the school year is over already – it will be summer before we know it!!
We also are in full swing with Dek hockey, soccer, basketball, etc. We certainly have a great deal of activities taking place. We are blessed to have such a large facility with all our land. Next Sunday, October 12th at 3:00 pm in the area behind the Church, we will be having the annual Blessing of the Animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis prayed to God to work through him to help animals as well as people and said of animals: “Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission — to be of service to them wherever they require it.” All animals, great and small, are invited for the blessing. I have blessed animals from goldfish to horses and everything between!
Pope Benedict had a cat for a pet and Benedict called animals “companions in creation.” In addition, Pope Francis had spoken about animals as well. Pope Francis has said: “Animals are our lesser brothers and sisters in this common home called Earth.” and “Because all creatures are connected, each must be cherished with love and respect, for all of us as living creatures are dependent on one another”.
I will be back and forth with the Air National Guard for the prison ministry for a little while. I am hoping not to get caught in a blizzard!
Remember: Together, we can do something beautiful for God.
In Christ,
Fr. Brian