Happy Independence Day

06-30-2019Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

This Thursday, July 4th is the 243rd anniversary of the founding of our country. For it was on this day in 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, setting the 13 original colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. At that time, there were an estimated 2.5 million people living in this newly established nation. Presently, close to 330 million people call the United States their home. We have so much to be thankful to God for as citizens of this great country. We have come a long way over those years, not without much struggle, heartache, sacrifice and perseverance. And yet, we still face challenges and hurtles to “form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” (Preamble of the Constitution) In a special way this week, I invite you to keep in prayer our country and its leaders, our service men and women, and all who work to address the challenges that threaten the welfare and peace of a nation. Below is a prayer you are welcome to use or, even better, why not make up your own. Have a happy and safe Independence Day!

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Your committment to support our church

06-23-2019Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

Recently, while waiting with another parishioner on an athletic field for their children to finish a game, a member of our Parish Pastoral Council heard this parent express her consternation at the idea of having to pay a faith formation fee for her child’s religious education. The idea of having to support the church financially seemed onerous to her. The Council member helped her to understand that Holy Family Parish depends on the funds parishioners provide in order to pay staff salaries/ benefits, utilities, maintenance costs, supplies and much more. Holy Family cannot not operate without parishioners’ contributions. The truth is, Faith Formation fees cover only a portion of the costs of that area of ministry. The parish doesn’t receive support from the state or the Archdiocese, but only from local parishioners who contribute to their parish.

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Corpus Christi Procession June 23rd

06-16-2019Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

Next Sunday, June 23, the Catholic Church around the world will celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, traditionally known as "Corpus Christi" - Latin for the Body of Christ.

This feast's origins go back to the 13th century and not long after that, a tradition of processing with the Holy Eucharist was started. In many Catholic countries, it has been a regular practice. However, in our own country, it has not been very common to have a Corpus Christi procession. But, a growing number of parishes here in the U.S. are reviving the practice. In fact, Church law promotes such a procession stating, "Wherever in the judgment of the diocesan Bishop it can be done, a procession through the streets is to be held, especially on the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, as a public witness of veneration of the Blessed Eucharist." (Canon 944, # 1)

And so, we will continue the tradition we started two years ago here at Holy Family and will have a short Eucharistic Procession immediately following the 10:30 am Mass next Sunday.

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How has God gifted you?

06-09-2019Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

I have a fond recollection of the owner of a one-man service station near my hometown in South Quincy. Our family would bring our car regularly to Joe Iacobucci to have it serviced as well as to get our gas. He was a wonderful character who wore a handlebar style mustache, suspenders and sometimes a cowboy hat. One couldn’t help but notice the fuselage of an airplane he was building in the left bay of his garage.

He was a rather quiet man, but always pleasant. Joe was someone we could rely on to do an excellent job keeping our car safe and in good condition. He was someone we liked, who was honest and we could depend on him. He was our friend.

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