Pastor's Corner

2017 01-08 On this Feast of the Epiphany, Heed the Words of Pope Francis

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From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy
 
As the New Year continues, we celebrate this Sunday the great feast of the Epiphany. Catholic Columnist, Dr. Thomas Williams reported on comments made by Pope Francis which highlighted the importance of this feast.  He stated that as Our Holy Father reflected on this day, he “underscored the need to lift one’s gaze above the daily cares of this world to discover God.”  As we celebrate this feast, we think of the wise men that were on a difficult journey of faith to encounter the Lord.  As we know, they faced many obstacles on their journey, including the danger and discomfort involved in traveling a long distance.

Pope Francis stated that the wise men who come from afar speak of the universality of the Christian message which is for all people.  The Church, he said, “Wants all peoples of the faith to encounter Jesus and to experience his merciful love.”  He continued to remind us that “the feast of the Epiphany wishes to respectfully point out to every man and woman in this world the child who was born for the salvation of all.”

As we reflect on these profound words of Our Holy Father, in the spirit of the wise men, we are invited to persevere on our journey of faith, despite the obstacles which we may encounter.  As mentioned previously, as we strive for perseverance, Pope Francis has challenged us, as Catholics, to be a more integral part of the Church.  He spoke of the bond of unity and sharing that should mark the lives of all Christians on their spiritual journey.  We can support each other, encourage each other, work with each other, and pray for each other on the way.  As we celebrate the Epiphany, as disciples, we can lift each other up spiritually as we reaffirm our commitment to strive to give honor and glory to the Lord who loves us.

This weekend we are also reminded of the needs of the Mustard Seed Communities. Organized by Catholic priests, Mustard Seed focuses on caring for abandoned children with special needs.   Its representatives find the face of Christ in those they assist. Representatives of the Community will be available after the Masses this weekend to answer questions about the Community and the work it does.  Mustard Seed strives to love and protect the most vulnerable of God’s children.  Our prayers and support of Mustard Seed can help accomplish this as we strive to come to the aid of the least of our brothers and sisters.

On this feast of the Epiphany, as we reflect on the good work of Mustard Seed, we are invited to heed the words of Pope Francis and strive to encounter Christ is some profound and personal way.

2017 01-15 Honor the Legacy of Dr. King and Strive for Christian Unity
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