Brothers and Sisters in Christ – This past week I celebrated my 24th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. I began the day celebrating Mass with the parishioners at Holy Cross Parish as I reflected on more than two decades of ministry. Later in the day I stopped by the grave of Archbishop Charles A. Schleck, C.S.C., at our community cemetery at Notre Dame, and prayed in thanksgiving for his conferring the sacrament of Holy Orders upon me. The Archbishop and I lived in Rome when I was studying canon law, and we’d share a meal each Sunday. I first felt called to the priesthood when I was in the second grade. As I made my First Holy Communion, I remember walking into church talking to Fr. Moskus and having this desire to be a priest. I went to Mass each Sunday morning with my grandparents and great-grandmother. They were faithful Catholics and in so many different ways they passed on the faith to me. I was blessed with a Catholic education. I was an altar server, lector, and catechist. My parish priests were always a part of my life in some way. I loved talking to them before Mass, after Mass, or in school when they’d stop by for a visit. Each one of them, over the years, inspired me by their faith, humility, and ministry. It's important to remember that we all have the responsibility of passing on the faith. We’re to inspire each other by the way that we live, challenge each other to grow in holiness, and make God known by how we love and serve Him. I’m always taken when people bemoan the lack of vocations to the priesthood. I’ve asked people how they help to promote vocations. Do you talk to your children about vocations? Do you encourage young people to become involved in parish ministries? My life of faith was truly formed by my grandparents. I remember my grandfather sitting in his recliner in the living room and praying the rosary every day. My great-grandmother had a picture of St. Anthony of Padua in her kitchen and a great devotion to him. When I went to church on Sunday morning we did so as a family. My vocation was supported by a faith-filled family. When I go home to Connecticut and attend Sunday Mass, after the final blessing everyone says a prayer for vocations. The Archbishop started that a few years ago when, for the first time in the history of the Archdiocese of Hartford, there wasn’t an ordination to the priesthood. I invite you to add to your daily prayers one for vocations. I also encourage you to find a way to help promote and pray for vocations. I’m truly grateful to God for calling me to the priesthood and religious life. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been serving Him for almost a quarter of a century. Despite my flaws, I strive each day to be a humble servant. My vocation isn’t about me, it never is! The priesthood is about serving God and helping others to deepen their relationship with our God who loves us.
A few announcements: Summer Mass Schedule … We will have one Sunday Mass at 9:30 a.m. for the months of July and August. THIS IS NOT A PERMANENT TIME CHANGE! The regular Mass schedule will resume on Sunday, September 1. Centering Prayer … Will be held at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday in our worship space. All are welcome! Maintenance Committee … If you are interested in being part of this committee, please see me or send an email expressing your interest. AED (Automated External Defibrillator) … I met with a representative this week and one will be installed on the wall outside of my office. While we want everyone to always be healthy, it’s important to have what’s needed in order to respond to unforeseen emergencies. Additionally, new First Aid kits have been purchased for the kitchen and our worship space. Parish Care … There has been a lot of tending to the parish over the past few weeks. Inside the a/c, heating units, and hot water heater were inspected, and filters were changed. An old fuse box in the sacristy was inspected, and two trip hazards in the choir area were repaired. The emergency lights in the basement, entranceway, and parish hall were tested and all had dead batteries that are in the process of being replaced. Outside the irrigation system was checked and put on for the season. The parish lawns are being mowed regularly. And the Easter flowers from our worship space have been planted around the property. Sacraments … If your child(ren) are of the age to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation in 2025, please schedule a meeting with me to discuss sacramental preparation beginning in the fall. If you would like to become a Catholic, or complete your own Sacraments of Initiation, please contact me. Parish Choir and Cantors … Last Saturday, Pope Francis greeted participants in a gathering of choir singers, musicians, and directors at the Vatican. He called music “a universal and immediate language,” and said that choir members and musicians provide a “precious service to the Church.” The Holy Father said that “music creates harmony, thereby reaching everyone, consoling those who suffer, rekindling enthusiasm in the downhearted, and bringing forth wonderful values such as beauty and poetry, which reflects God’s harmonious light.” On Sunday’s our Gospel Choir and cantors don’t provide us with a concert, or sing for their own praise and glory, but contribute to our prayer. THANK YOU for all that you do each week to bring us closer to God, enrich our liturgy, and deepen our moment of prayer. Celebrate Juneteenth … The people of St. A’s are invited to join the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of St. Peter Claver, Court #416, on Saturday, June 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a short Prayer Service followed by a potluck dinner and games. Everyone is encouraged to bring spouses, adult/minor children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, etc. There will be games (Connect Four, Jenga, Croquet, Cornhole, and others) to play. This family event will be a time that grandparents, aunts/uncles can bond with the younger members of the family. For more information, please contact: Cheryl Ashe at [email protected]. Parish Pastoral Council … Will meet at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22 in the parish basement. Annual Parish Picnic … Will be held from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 25 at the St. Patrick County Park. Please mark your calendars. Women’s Group … The next gathering will be on Saturday, June 29 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be either via Zoom or in person. Please watch for an email confirming the location. Any women of the parish are welcome. Please contact Sr. Betty at [email protected]. St. Augustine, pray for us. Fr. John, C.S.C.