Dear Friends,
Some rain, grey skies and dashing to church with umbrellas did not take away from the joy of our young children who made their First Communion last weekend.
The enthusiasm of these individuals coming for the first time to receive Jesus in Holy Communion was a blessing to me and I know for their families and our faith communities.
As I mentioned in my homily, the sacred texts for the Third Sunday of Easter were perfect for this First Communion celebration. Indeed, as Jesus repeatedly asked Peter, “Do you love me”, we heard and know that love changes everything.
As faithful sisters and brothers of Jesus, we cannot ever be the same because we embrace His love and presence in our very lives. How could we ever be the same?
The Lord’s profound and unconditional love for you and me, and in the greatest gift, His very self in the Eucharist, is the most cherished gift we could ever embrace.
May our young people continue to know how much they are loved by Jesus and His desire they receive Him in Holy Communion as often as possible. So too, may we, who have received our First Communion, recall the joy of our celebrations and know Jesus’ unconditional love is ever within our very selves.
Monday, we gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral to join more young individuals for their reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was another prayerful and grace filled moment to celebrate love and faith! Yes, these fine young women and men affirmed their dedication and desire to grow with Jesus in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
We are truly blessed with the witness of these sisters and brother of ours!
God Bless all our First Communicants and Confirmands!
AND, bless Karen Luke, Anne Gallagher, all the parents, Faith Formation Teachers, God Parents, Sponsors and those who have supported our loved ones during this wonderful time in our Easter Season!
Today is our Mother’s Day!
I am always taken back with recalling the love of my own mother. Mom was always doing her best to share her love and make the lives of her children blessed.
Mom went home to the Lord twenty-five years ago this coming July. I was so happy for her on that Sunday Jesus came and said, “Betsy, come home and be in the peace of eternity.”
I am so, so blessed with wonderful women (and men) in my life who have the great charisms of being a mom, and like a mom for me.
My aunt, Marilyn, and so many other wonderful individuals have shown me that love changes everything when you follow the Lord.
So, in thanksgiving for my mom and all who have been welcomed home to heaven, to all of you who have gifted me with love and nurturing, and to all of you who this day recall those “mothers” who blessed you or may have troubled you, let us give their names to Jesus. The Lord understands those who have been part of our life’s journey. May we let Him continue to care for those we think of this day.
With my heartfelt prayer,
A Happy Mother’s Day to all!
Blessings,
Father Rob