Pastor's Corner

This Sunday, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, is designated as the Sunday of the Word of God. In 2019, Pope Francis instituted this day as the Sunday of the Word of God to remind us of the role of the Word of God in the life of the Church. In the Introduction to the Lectionary used to proclaim the readings at Mass, it explains that “In the hearing of God's word, the Church is built up and grows, and in the signs of the liturgical celebration, God's wonderful, past works in the history of salvation are presented anew as mysterious realities.

We’ve been blessed with Fr. Bill William’s ministry here at Holy Family Parish for over 3½ years. He has been a “God-send” to me serving as a partner in ministry as a Senior Assistant by sharing some of our weekend and daily Masses, funerals, anointings, and confessions. In that time, we have become dear friends as well as colleagues. Additionally, he has become very fond of the many members of our parish who have welcomed him as a special part of our community.

The start of a new year often prompts us to look back at what was, as well as to look ahead at what possibilities there might be. Besides the resolutions to shed the pounds added over time or to recommit to personal goals left unmet, a faith-focused approach to the new year could make quite a difference in how our days ahead unfold.

Recently I mailed out to all registered parishioners a copy of our parish Annual Financial Report. Along with the report, I usually include a request for you to make a once-a-year “grand” gift to the parish to assist with the cost of maintenance, repairs, and renovations since the weekly offertory collection revenue only covers our regular operating expenses.

With both Fr. Bill, our senior assistant, and myself hospitalized recently for different reasons, we have had to re-examine our respective schedules and duties to arrive at a more reasonable activity level that will be more conducive to maintain our health and well-being going forward. Thankfully, Fr Bill is able to continue as our Weekend Assistant celebrating Sunday weekend Masses on a rotating basis with me.

Beginning on Christmas Eve, the Catholic Church throughout the world will celebrate a Holy Year, also known as a Jubilee Year. It is one of the great events of the Catholic Church, which is celebrated every 25 years. It calls pilgrims to Rome and invites Catholics everywhere to focus on the beauties of the faith, to strengthen our relationship with the Lord, and to practice more intently the virtues that make us Catholic Christians, especially the virtues of forgiveness, reconciliation, and charity.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a missionary? I don’t mean the kind that goes off to a foreign country. In Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), he writes about the Church’s missionary role and the need for both clergy and laity to make the proclamation of the Gospel a lived reality in all of what we say and do. He calls for each of us to be “Spirit-filled evangelizers” with a “renewed missionary impulse” marked by a “joy ever new, a joy which is shared.”

In this season of Advent, there are many feelings that arise from memories, present circumstances, and the rush of the season. For some, this may not seem to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” It may be because of the loss of a loved one, being out of work, or feeling overwhelmed with all there is to do. For others, it’s getting caught up in the joy of the season, picking out presents that hopefully will be “just right,” the heartwarming visits with friends and loved ones, or delighting in the colorful lights and decorations.

As we begin the season of Advent this weekend, I invite you to reflect upon what the Holy Family experienced in the time leading up to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and its significance in our present day – using this prayer.

Prayer for the Homeless

O God of endless mercy, in your divine place to save us, your only Son became a person like us in all things but sin.

What or who do you take for granted? I know, it’s hard to think about something you don’t think much about! But try… especially at this time of Thanksgiving. There are certainly people and things you and I depend upon that we just expect to be there for us. Maybe it’s the person who delivers the newspaper or provides emergency services. I have a friend who will occasionally pray for the person who invented air conditioning because she is so grateful for that cool refreshment in the summer heat!

I’m very grateful for the many prayers and get-well wishes I have received while I addressed issues related to coronary artery disease, a condition I’ve inherited. As symptoms increased, I had to be admitted to the hospital where I underwent a catheterization and implantation of a stent to increase blood flow to my heart. Fortunately, I was able to be discharged in time to welcome our new Archbishop Richard Henning to Holy Family this past Wednesday at a gathering of approximately 50 priests from the South Region of our Archdiocese.

A Note from Fr. Bill….

Dear Friends,

For three weekends I’ve been away getting a new knee and I suspect I’ll be away a week or two more so that I can walk with dignity and grace. It has been quite an experience. My first major visit to a hospital since my tonsils came out when I was seven. All the stories about what to look for – pain, more pain, and still more pain.

This week, November 3-9, is National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW). This annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States is dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.