Can you believe it—it’s late September already. And this weekend’s gospel, Matthew 21: 28-32, calls us to consider our choices in life, especially the faith choices we make, and to see how all choices we made may either lead us closer to Christ or divert us from His grace and blessings, His way of life. The first reading from the Prophet Ezekiel tells us that we need to make a sincere commitment about turning from sin and evil and walking toward Good and the Lord.
Congratulations to our new Confirmed teens and their families! Overdue since April, we gathered in our church for this Sacrament of Initiation for 59 parish teens. The Holy Spirit was animated through these teens and their families as they affirmed their faith in Christ Jesus and His Church:
Today Jesus speaks of a landowner who needs to hire laborers to work in his vineyard. The Master hires workers at all times of the day but pays them each the same wages. That in-and-of-itself might be considered unjust by some in today’s culture—after all, does the landowner have a right to own a vineyard and to expect others to work in it…for his profit, even for pay?
A unique opportunity presents itself for the women of our parish and for the St. Catherine of Siena Women’s Club Ministry. As you know, since the founding of our parish in 1974 many dedicated and devoted women have belonged to—and led—this organization which is an integral part of our parish, historically and for our parish’s future
It is an understatement to say “that forgiveness can be difficult” but it can be because certain kinds of pain or grief linger in the human heart and create a form of “forgiveness reflux,” as the anger or grief just keeps “repeating” on you. We also live in a culture where many will often say that “they forgive, but they will not forget” or that “revenge is a dish best served cold,” which because of insults, perceived and real offenses, tensions, and diverse opinions, i.e., the right of everyone to hear and accept my opinion, makes pardoning and reconciliation sometimes impossible to obtain.
I want to take this time and space to make a very happy announcement about Deacon Joseph MacNeill, newly ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church last 27 June 2020. The Deacon was anticipating returning to Rome this September to finish his seminary training and then he would be ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ next May or June 2021.