We hope these resources will aid your family in reflecting on the readings for the weekend and inspire faith conversations with your friends and family.
From Fr Moser Re: Covid protocols at St Pats
(Please Read)
From Archbishop Jackels and Fr Moser:
First - from a public statement by Archbishop Jackels: In recognition of how the spiritual and emotional needs of the Catholic faithful are met in great part by the parish community gathering for Sunday Mass in church ... And in view of the ever-increasing number of parishioners who are vaccinated, and who have a holy desire to worship at Sunday Mass with others in church ...
On 5/6 June 2021, the dispensation will expire that excused Catholics in the Archdiocese of Dubuque from participating at Sunday Mass in church.
As the pandemic isn’t over, even without a dispensation Catholics can still legitimately excuse themselves from Sunday Mass if they are afraid of getting COVID, or if ... They are frail from age or illness, or caring for someone sick, homebound, or an infant, or weather makes driving hazardous, or work and Mass schedules conflict. In short, there is no sin in missing the Sunday obligation if you would go if you could go, but you can’t for reasons outside your control.
Second from Father Moser in regards to COVID safety measures: my goal is to proceed cautiously as we relax the CDC recommendations and the measures encouraged by state or local health officials:
ropes / tape on the pews... in an attempt to balance between those who want this extra measure of social distancing and those who do not, some of the pews in church will remain roped off for the upcoming months.
social distancing and wearing of masks... both are appropriate [not required nor compulsory] for the months of May and June as we welcome larger attendance at Mass. During this period of transition we encourage everyone to continue to be sensitive to those with differing degrees of comfort with masks or social distancing.
Church/Parish Halls will be fully reopened and available to be used by parishioners and the public. I am setting a reopening date of May 26, 2021. Yes, this means that having funeral dinners catered in the church hall will be an option after that date. However, the St. Patrick volunteers who were serving funeral dinners are now questionable due to the age and health vulnerability of these great volunteers. We will be addressing this in the near future.
Reflection from Fr Moser on the readings
In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul describes the attitude we are to have: We walk by FAITH, not by sight. The song entitled “We Walk by Faith” by Marty Haugen is one of my favorites from my four years of seminary. Our growth in faith typically happens unseen, unknown, unrealized, almost secretly ... In this Sunday’s gospel passage Jesus uses the image of the seed to describe God’s kingdom. Like a seed planted in the soil, God works in hidden ways. The kingdom grows slowly and silently. We may never see the kingdom in full bloom until we enter into our heavenly home. Yet, we are called to LIVE, WORK, PRAY, and LOVE with trust that God’s plan and kingdom will happen. ... for the kingdom is close at hand.
I think one way for us to embody the words of St. Paul, “We walk by faith, not by sight” would be that we plant the seeds of God’s Word by faith, not by sight! Though we may feel small and insignificant, God has chosen each of us for a very specific purpose, to share his love with the world in a way no one else can. Therefore, Go and plant his seeds! Yes, we are called to plant seeds of faith - most often they are small, but sometimes large - and then leave it to God to produce growth and spiritual fruits. We can be assured that the Lord ensures the harvest. The Kingdom is as near as God’s love.
Pope Francis explains that “What counts is not what goes in but what comes out of the mouth and the heart.” Take a few minutes to ponder this statement from Pope Francis; then ask yourself: how can I spread God’s love today? Jesus, show me ways to speak to or to help those who are most in need this day: the tired or weary, the unloved, the neglected or forsaken, the marginalized, the lonely or forgotten.
We welcome Father Jacob Dunne back to our parishes. He was here several years ago as a seminarian. He will be celebrating Mass on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 8:30am.
By the way, I will be gone from Sunday afternoon until late Wednesday on a short vacation.
Questions to Reflect upon this week:
Adults- What is the "good soil" that has allowed your faith to grow like the mustard seed and provide shelter for others?
Adults- What is the "good soil" that has allowed your faith to grow like the mustard seed and provide shelter for others?
Children- How do you help your faith grow like the mustard seed?
Choose one of the Following Activities to help your family live the readings this week
- Plant a seed and watch it grow. Do your part in nurturing that growth. Marvel at how the life force that God gave it controls its destiny. Give it time and patience to come to its fullness. Reflect on how the Kingdom of God is at work in you and the world.
- Make a list of the earthly possessions that mean the most to you. Now make a list of ways that you mimic Jesus and the Apostles to build the Christian that you are. Which list is most important to you?
- Find examples of people in the news or saints you admire who are working with Jesus’ teachings to help build the Kingdom of God. What can you say or do to get yourself on your list?
Weekly Justice Challenge
If ever there was a “how to” manual for Christians, it is in the readings this week. Using parables and stories, Jesus tells the people how to live:
1. Have faith; a little goes a long way.
2. Love your enemies.
3. If someone asks you for something, give it and more.
4. When you do something generous, do it in secret.
5. Don’t store up treasures here on earth.
6. Don’t worry about it; God has everything under control.
Your challenge this week is to read the six summaries above slowly. Which one is the Holy Spirit calling you to live in a particular way now? In the words of Pope Francis, be a “living Gospel in the world” by practicing one of these six teachings of Jesus.
©Center for Ministry Development. Published by the Pastoral Center / PastoralCenter.com. All rights reserved.
Saint of the Week
St Marie-Marguerite d'Youville
Feast Day-June 15
Feast Day-June 15
Patron Saint of widows, difficult marriages, death of young children
Click on the image below for a short bio and reflection
Click on the image below for a short bio and reflection
After a year long Hiatus, Totus Tuus is back at St Pat's this summer from July 26-30. Click on the above picture for more info and to register your kids for this great week long experience.
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