At our last Parochial Council Meeting, we discussed at length the make up of the Council. The Council meets once a month after the 10:30 AM Mass to discuss what’s going on in the parish. The Council advises me, the pastor, on what is happening and on things we might try. The meetings usually last from 12:15 – 1:45 PM. Sometimes they don’t even last that long. We are looking for some new members. If you are interested, please talk to a Council member about this. The list is on the front of the Bulletin. If enough people show interest, we will probably have some new appointments to the Council and maybe even an election later in the year. Remember any parishioner can attend any Council meeting.
As mentioned above, Bill Dillon, who has been doing our books for years has taken ill. I need someone to go into training to help him with our finances. This would also include our Finance Committee. If you think you can help, please contact me.
Today is Laetare Sunday. Lent is half over and the Church tells us to rejoice because Easter is almost here. In our first reading Joshua and the Israelites celebrate the Passover in the Promised Land for the first time. I imagine they really rejoiced during this sacred time.
In our second reading, St. Paul tells us that Jesus has saved us and that all things are new in him. “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.”
We refer to today’s Gospel as the story of the Prodigal Son. We all know the story. What is interesting is that both sons, change during the story. The father does not. He loves both sons, even when each of them has his problems. The father represents God, who loves us at all times and is waiting for us to return to him in good times and in bad. God is great, all the time!
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.