Hello Parish Family,

This Sunday we celebrate the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. In our Gospel reading this weekend, Jesus warns some who were speaking of the adornment of the temple with costly stones and votive offerings and says to them, "the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." They wondered what sign there would be when this was about to happen. He warns them not to be deceived, and that before this happens, they would be seized, persecuted and handed over because of His name in order to give testimony to Him. He knows of the difficulties that they would face and says to them, "You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives." 

In our lives, there are times when we experience difficulty and suffering. During these times, even when they may seem their very worst, it can be an opportunity for God to work in new ways to be with us even more intimately. Through the Sacraments of the Church, we are given a foretaste of the Kingdom of God. May we always remember that our lives are preparation for eternity when we will experience in fullness the joy of being in God's presence.

Peace be with you!