Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
What a nice way to come back to church--by celebrating the Solemnity of Pentecost. This feast is called the “birthday of the Church,” for through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Church was established. Through the Holy Spirit, the Church becomes a sacrament, which is a help along the way toward salvation. While the Church is a sacrament, it has the seven sacraments that lead and guide humanity to God.
Recently I heard a story of a professor of sacraments at a seminary for the formation of priests, which, mind you, was not our own. The professor had a comment from a student’s evaluation that took him aback. The comment from the student was that he did not understand why the professor thought the sacraments were the most important things in the world. When the professor shared this evaluation with his colleagues, they all commiserated with the professor, understanding that indeed the sacraments are the best things in the world. In fact, I will add, and they would agree, the sacraments are essential in living our life united to God. Indeed, that is the purpose of the sacraments, to unite us to God now and forever. The sacraments, however, can only come to be through the power of the Holy Spirit, which is God, the third person of the Holy Trinity.
We give praise to God today for the Holy Spirit that never abandons us and leads us to fullness of life.
Amen? Amen!
Fr. Jamie
1. Welcome Back. I am glad that public worship services have begun again in the region. If we have to add Masses, we will let you know. What we are doing now in the churches might change as we go forward. If you do not feel safe coming to church, know that you are not under any obligation from the Church to come. The Church respects your decision not to come. The Church does strongly suggest one wears a mask and that you continue to adhere to safe social distancing of 6 feet in the pews, as well as in any procession at Communion or to and from your car. I appreciate all of your cooperation during this time. I am so glad that so many of you are back.
2 & 3. Graduation. The 8th-grade graduating class of St. Cecilia had their graduation online. They also came in a car procession to pick up their diplomas and to get a picture taken in the Our Lady of Fatima Garden. Congratulations and best wishes to all our graduates in the region upon the completion of your studies.
4. Congratulations. On Saturday the 23rd of May, there was a wedding in the region. Please congratulate and pray for the newly married couple from St. Cecilia, Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Claire Bloom.
5 & 6. Welcome, Children of God. Last weekend, two baptisms took place. Please welcome into our Christian community Henry Nelson, son of Christopher and Kara Eisenacher, and also Regina Catherine, daughter of Jason and Holly Hemak.
7. Rest in Peace. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Cecilia for Mildred Niehaus. Millie attended the 4PM St. Cecilia Mass every Saturday. Millie will be greatly missed. The funeral Mass was held on May 27th. Mildred was 94 years old.
