Hello from the pastor’s office. It’s hard to believe but August is almost gone. There is an English saying, “time flies when you are having fun.” And it’s true, But I would add to that and say, “TIME FLIES IF YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE WITH GOD.” If we live our lives with God, if we dedicate every single moment of our being to Him, our words and actions, if we truly live IN THE MOMENT, there is no need for checking the time, we just ARE – in His loving presence and believe me, it’s fun!
Over a week ago, I came back from Poland (the second time this year). In May, I celebrated one wedding in my family, and at the beginning of August I participated in a second one. It’s been a blessing for me to share the gift of my ordination with those whom God has placed in my life, but to do that with my own family, it’s a blessing and it’s fun! Please say a prayer for Agata and Sebastian, and for Julia and Bartosz. May they love each other as God loves them, until death do they part. It wasn’t easy to come back from Poland, to leave my family again. But knowing that I am coming back home, to my parish, to my people, really helped me. The first weekend after my return was truly a blessing, Deacon Lawrence preached (that really helped me), and to see more people at all the Masses, more children, teenagers, young adults, families and even some new faces, truly was a blessing. Let’s continue our journey of faith together, supporting each other, praying for each other, especially those who are weak, vulnerable, and lonely, keeping our eyes always on Jesus!
At the end of my reflection, let me share with you two things that are very important for us, as a parish. As much as we care for our souls, we also care for our church as a building. There are so many things that happen daily and not many people know about, like heating, cooling, cleaning, and daily maintenance. We can do that because of your generosity, and financial support, for which we are truly grateful. Many people offer not only their money for the church but also their time and talents. Today, I would like to thank specifically two of them: Sofie Cardellio, who before my trip to Poland painted the ceiling in the chapel. She dedicated almost a week and a half of her time to brighten our chapel. We also changed the setup of the chairs in the chapel. And Jim Biddinger, who made new presidential chairs. These chairs were made out of the pews from the choir loft area, if you still remember them?! Jim dedicated so much of his time and carpenter’s skills, to build the chairs, that I believe will serve and last for many years to come. For those of you who did not know before, Jim has also built the memorial board, the cross for in the sanctuary, the frames for the stations of the cross, a little shelf for the perpetual candle in the chapel, and the table for the prayer basket intentions. On behalf of myself, our Deacon, and those who will ever sit on these new presidential chairs, thank you! And Karen Bonnano for voluntarily taking care of the upcoming Parish Picnic. For organizing the committee, for planning the whole event, and for looking for sponsors and more volunteers to make it successful. Thank You Sofie, Thank You Jim, and Thank You Karen! Have a blessed week.
Fr. Tom