EMMAUS: The annual priest convocation at St. Vincent College in Latrobe is happening this week from Monday evening through Thursday morning. Both Fr. Rick and I will be in attendance. Priests from the Diocese of Erie have been gathering for Emmaus for close to four decades now, I believe. There are opportunities for fraternity, prayer, Mass, and we are receiving talks from the Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown. He will be speaking to us on living a holy, vibrant and relational priesthood. Given the recent slew of assignment changes, the most oft heard phrase this week will probably be – “Now where are you moving to again?” Please keep Fr. Rick, me and all of your diocesan priests in prayer.
CARLO ACUTIS: Have you heard the news that our young friend, Blessed Carlo Acutis, is being canonized a saint on July 1? When the soon-to-be-saint’s relics visited our parish a couple of years back, I remember such joy and reverence from those who spent time praying in the church. Many of you prayed for healings. This young saint (remember that he died at only 15-years old) has really captured the attention and admiration of Catholics from around the world. The miracle which paved the way for his canonization was the unexplained recovery of a Costa Rican woman, who had experienced severe brain trauma in a fall from a bicycle. Praise God for his wonders! St. Carlo, pray for us!
HOSPITALITY PRACTICALS: We want everyone who walks through the doors of our two churches to truly experience the love of Christ. We desire that each person truly feels welcomed and loved at Holy Redeemer and St. Anthony. Our greeters, ushers, funeral lunch volunteers and others recently gathered around the firepit with members of the Parish Leadership Team. We discussed ways to improve our welcoming skills. We are excited that some half-dozen young families are ready to take part in this effort! Think about it: in a real way, each one of us is a representative of Christ to those we encounter. What are some practical habits to form? 1. Smile at one another; 2. Greet one another (especially guests); 3. Offer to pray for one another. 4. Never ignore a guest. Remember that our parish exists to turn people’s lives upside down through an encounter with the redeeming love of Christ. Hospitality plays a huge role in fulfilling that purpose!
TRANSITION TO NEW BEGINNINGS: It has been said that we really don’t mind change itself – after all, we deal with choices and change on a daily basis – but we do find transition to be difficult. No doubt, we are in a time of transition in our parish. We may be feeling uncertainty, anxiety, and possibly pain. Fr. Mark’s parishes are feeling the same things. So are Fr. Mark and me! God, in his wisdom, though, always seems to transform endings into new (and often wonderful) beginnings. Remember what he said to his anxious and fearful apostles as they were windswept on the sea of Galilee: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid (Mt 14:27)!” Christ says the same to you and I today. He is so good, so compassionate, so faithful, and so loving. Even in the midst of difficult transition, we need not be afraid. Jesus is with us! God bless you all and have a beautiful week!
Mary, Mother of the Holy Redeemer – Pray for us!
Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!
St. Anthony – Pray for us!
St. Joseph – Pray for us!
Fr. Steve