Dear Friends,
ALREADY!!! Labor Day Weekend is here!
For me, all too quickly, this weekend has come upon us, but I hold to the season that summer is not quite over yet! September 5th is Labor Day! Even though many see this as the “unofficial” end of summer, it brings the reality of returning to school, beginning a new year of college/university, taking over a sister/brother’s room, and parish activities resuming or in our case beginning anew after Covid. There will be all too soon a change in the “air” of an approaching new season. But let’s not forget what Labor Day is all about.
Quoting Google, “Labor Day, the first Monday of September, “it is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of the American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well -being of our country.” There you go, SO, as you celebrate, let’s remember those who truly have made, and those who continue to make, the well-being of our country a blessing.
I am one, as many of you know, who likes to acknowledge joy in our lives. We have many challenges and crosses to bear, but when we take the time, there are many joys we may overlook in our day to day movements. I am mindful of many joys coming before me.
This past week at daily mass I had families coming together with their children heading off to college/university (yes, at daily mass!).
I had a couple married 71 years coming to daily morning mass on their anniversary. What a gift to be with these individuals! I had a blessed steward on her 25th wedding anniversary attend a Finance Ministry meeting. And thank the Lord, this couple got to go away last weekend to celebrate their anniversary, and didn’t I see their three children attending Sunday Mass while they were away! Other congregants noticed as well and were rejoicing in the witness of this family. Just a few blessings of joy that make my life graced.
Thank you for all our young people off to college/university/ high school/ grammar school/and beyond in our world of inquiry! Thank you to all who join me in daily mass and weekend mass. Your presence is a profound gift to me. Thank you to all who share their faithfulness in the Sacrament of Marriage!
And, thank you to Ben and Shauna, and all the other couples who I am blessed to witness their Sacrament of Marriage this year. I shout out Ben and Shauna because they are witnessing their marriage in our faith communities continuously. I pray all our other couples, wherever they are called to be, will do the same. Good news and joys are abundant and to be shared.
God Bless you all and have a safe holiday,
Father Rob
