Brothers and Sisters in Christ – This weekend our Holy Father, Pope Francis, will celebrate the first World Children’s Day at Vatican City. In his message to the children of the world he wrote, in part, “… all children, everywhere, are a sign of every person’s desire to grow and flourish. You remind us that we are all children, brothers and sisters … Dear young friends, in order for us and our world to grow and flourish, it is not enough to be united with one another; we need, above all else, to be united with Jesus.” A few weeks ago, when I was on vacation, I was able to spend time visiting with my niece and nephews. It always brings me great joy to be with them, listening to them talk about their lives, and simply bask in their love. They remind me of the beauty of life and, despite challenging times or persons, each one of them helps me to look at all that is good and holy. They help me to grow, personally and spiritually. Though young, they teach me. Each of them brings unending joy to my life. Pope Francis, in that same letter to the children, when reflecting on the gift of joy said: “… we cannot be happy all by ourselves, because our joy increases to the extent that we share it. Joy is born of gratitude for the gifts we have received and which we share in turn, and it grows in our relationships with others.” I think that it’s important to pray about joy. It’s especially important to reflect on where we find joy in our own lives. When we allow ourselves to be taken in by the world and its constant misery, we let that negativity change our lives. When we surround ourselves with persons who constantly complain, gossip, and add anger to the world we give up our peace. Our spiritual joy is replaced by sadness. In order to spiritually grow and flourish we need to cultivate a spiritual life that’s rooted in all that is good and holy. I begin my last prayer of the day by saying, “Thank you Lord for all of the blessings that I received today, those that I recognized and especially those that I failed to recognize.” All that we receive from God is good and we need to pray in thanksgiving for those gifts. All that we receive from God is holy and we need to acknowledge what is sacred. I invite you to spend some time praying with the words of Pope Francis to the world’s children. What are the good things that you have received from God? Who brings you joy and reminds you of the beauty of life? How are you experiencing all that is holy? As we celebrate Memorial Day, I pray that your time with family and friends will be an opportunity to see God’s blessings in your life. On this World Children’s Day, I invite all of us to remember our young parishioners and ask God to continue to bless them. A few announcements: Summer Mass Schedule … The Parish Pastoral Council, after hearing from parishioners, has decided that 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. The music will be provided by the Gospel Choir with the assistance of Lorna Wade, our 8:15 Mass cantor. Nicene Creed … The Solemnity of Pentecost marked the end of the Easter season. During the season of Ordinary Time, we’ll be praying the Nicene Creed at Mass. Missing Statue … When I was opening the parish last Sunday, I noticed that the small wooden statue of our Blessed Mother that sits on a table in the corner near the choir was missing. I looked around the property, and asked some parishioners if they had used it, and it couldn’t be located. If anyone knows anything about our missing statue, please let me know. Parish Security … The missing statue is a perfect introduction to the next topic. The Finance Committee and I have been looking into a security system for the parish. There are so many keys out there that we have absolutely no control over the comings and goings at the parish. I’ve often found doors open and lights left on. Our plan is to replace the locks on the two doors entering the parish. We’ll also put a lock on the door leading into the parish hall that can be open with either a key fob or passcode. That will become the main entrance for anyone needing to enter the building. We’ve already received one bid and are waiting for two more bids before a decision is made. It’s imperative that we keep the parish secure at all times. Finance Council … At our meeting this week we discussed possible maintenance projects. It was decided that in order to best care for our property we’d begin to examine the building and make a list of the condition of things and what might need to be replaced in the year(s) ahead. We also finalized our budget for the next fiscal year and submitted it to the diocese. At the end of the current fiscal year a report of the parish’s income and expenditures will be made available. Scam … It has come to my attention that some parishioners have received texts and/or emails from “me” requesting money. I would NEVER ask you for money that benefits myself. My email account has obviously been hacked. Please disregard anything from “me” asking you for money! 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. 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]. Holy Cross Vocation Magazine … The latest issue of Ave Crux, a publication of the U.S. Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross can be found on the table in the vestibule. This issue focuses on the eight men who were ordained Holy Cross priests in April. Please help yourself to a copy. 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]. Parish Census … I was asked for an update on the parish census. When this project began the diocese had St. A’s as having 150 families and 300 persons as members. At this point, the updated census shows that St. A’s now has 233 families and 398 persons as members. When I submit the annual parish report in January, I’ll happily correct those statistics so that the diocese has updated information on our parish. Please help us keep the parish census updated. If you haven’t filled out a form and consider St. A’s your parish, please take one from the table in the gathering space and place it in the collection basket. If you have an address change, a new phone number, or change your email address, please drop a note in the collection basket, or to the parish office, and let us know. It’s important for the parish to have an accurate accounting of our membership. Memorial Day … Finally, we remember in prayer all of those brave men and women who served our country in the Armed Forces and gave their lives to protect us, the country, and our freedom. May they rest forever in peace and always be remembered. St. Augustine, pray for us. Fr. John, C.S.C.