Greetings from Fr. Dave

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Special blessings on all who are grieving the loss of loved ones. May the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Thanks to our veterans who are presenting the American Flag at all our Masses this weekend, and huge thanks to all who have given their lives in service to our country!
 

This weekend I am speaking about maintaining hope in difficult times. We have many legitimate reasons to be discouraged and distressed about circumstances in our country, our church, our society, and our personal lives. . .but. . .Jesus tells us clearly to not let our hearts be troubled or afraid. Why? Because he has taken on all our human brokenness, carried it willingly to the cross, and victoriously rose from the dead on the third day! Good people, THAT is the lens we look through as we live daily. At moments we get clarity on how powerfully God is indeed at work, and too often it is way easier to give into negativity and doubt. There is nothing easy about this!
 

Taking time for daily prayer, reading the Bible, and receiving the sacraments are just essential if we are to remain centered on the divine Friendship offered by Jesus. These words from St. Teresa become my words of re-focus when I find myself caught in worry and fear. I encourage you to make them your own!
 

Be not afraid; be not disturbed.
All is passing; God does not change.
Patience attains all.
One who holds onto God lacks nothing.
God alone is enough.

—St. Teresa of Avila

The end of the school year is in sight! Huge congratulations to all who are graduating or have already graduated this spring. May you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your next steps. And, in the unknowns of new beginnings, make use of the prayer printed above!
 

A note about our parking lot. Not infrequently we get a call or email from someone unhappy about being parked in during Mass times. Biggest offenders are usually in the parking area above the Fireside Room. Please, folks, be thoughtful and considerate — here and everywhere you go!
 

Blessings to Alexander Bahr, Margaret Hlavacs, Simon Miller, and Emilia Morahan, who were baptized this weekend!