May 12, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
As our community celebrates many secular milestones and religious ceremonies over the next few weeks, I am particularly happy for 38 of our parish’s young people who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 15, 21, 22 and 23. In this sacrament of initiation, these young people will receive the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. They will receive – as Fr. Michael Van Sloun said in his fine reflection on the seven gifts – “the spiritual power and strength a person needs to accomplish his or her vocational calling and mission in life.”
In case you have forgotten them (and you would not be alone in having done so), the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are described this way in the U.S. Catechism:
- Wisdom enables us to see the world from God’s viewpoint and can help us grasp the purpose and plan of God.
- Understanding stimulates us to work on knowing ourselves as part of our growth in knowing God.
- Counsel allows us to sense the quiet teaching that the Holy Spirit gives us about our moral lives and the training of our consciences.
- Fortitude enables us to be prepared to stand up for Christ and the Gospel when challenged.
- Knowledge directs us to contemplation, or thoughtful reflection, of the mystery of God, as well as the mysteries of our Catholic faith.
- Fear of the Lord infuses honesty into our relationship with God, a frankness that places us in awe before the majesty of God.
- Piety is an act of respect for the Father who created us, for Jesus who saved us and for the Holy Spirit who is sanctifying us.
These gifts imparted on the Confirmandi are not exclusively important to young people at this juncture of their lives – they are blessings we must continue praying for and exercising throughout our lives, particularly during times of trial and uncertainty. It is no coincidence that when we feel down or tired, lost and afraid, we inherently pray to God for a renewal of these gifts. God, in turn, grants us the insight of learning where we might best serve him.
I wish you all a blessed and wonderful week. During this month of Mary, please continue praying the Rosary every day in solidarity with our entire Catholic Church for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more on the worldwide praying of the Rosary, including a recitation of it at noon May 17 at the Basilica of the National Shrine on the Immaculate Conception.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John
Here are the parish events for Wednesday, May 12; Thursday, May 13; and Friday, May 14:
Wednesday, May 12:
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
- Virtual Votive Mass in the Time of Pandemic at 7 pm. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Ruth Hutchins.
Thursday, May 13:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by Director of Religious Education Susan Anderson.
- In-person Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Ruth Hutchins.
Friday, May 14:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by Director of Religious Education Susan Anderson.
- In-person Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Ruth Hutchins.
Parish Resources:
Upcoming Events:
- Friday, May 14: Walk-up vaccination clinic at St. Rose of Lima Parish.
From 3-7 pm, our sister parish of St. Rose of Lima will host a walk-up clinic for people to receive the coronavirus vaccination (Pfizer). There is no insurance, identification or pre-registration required. For more information, please contact St. Rose of Lima Social Concerns Director Sherry Moitoza at SMoitoza@StRose.com.
- 10 am-12:30 pm Saturday, May 15, and Saturday, May 22: Cleanup Day at the Outdoor Stations.
Come join the Garden Care Ministry, as members weed, mulch and plant in the Outdoor Stations of the Cross, next to the Rectory. People of all ages are welcome, especially teens and young adults. However, if a child under 13 is present, he or she should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To sign up, please contact Director of Social Concerns and Adult Faith Formation Tony Bosnick at abosnick@sfadw.org.
- Wednesday, May 19: Deadline to indicate interest in virtual book discussion on “RETURN: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church”
Do you have a family member who has left the Catholic Church? If so, consider joining a small group book discussion on “RETURN: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church,” by author Brandon Vogt. This practical guide offers valuable insights on how to prop open the door to helping your family member return to the Church. Small groups will meet on Zoom, with participants having the option to either join a parish group that will gather on Tuesday evenings starting June 1 or forming their own groups at the time and date of their choosing. If you are interested, contact Director of Social Concerns and Adult Faith Formation Tony Bosnick at abosnick@sfadw.org.
