What a great morning so far!  Fr. David, Deacon Ray, and I were so encouraged to see everyone this morning at the 7 am and 9 am Masses. The smiles on our families faces was priceless.

        In today's scripture passage we encounter Barnabas, who is sent to Antioch to encourage the faithful to remain faithful to the Lord. (Acts 11: 22-24) Barnabas does just that, and the Church starts to spread like a wild fire for it was at Antioch that people first started to be called Christians. 

        Barnabas's name literally means "son of encouragement". Encouraging others was a gift that God gave to Barnabas. He encouraged Saul, who became Paul, to accompany him on his journeys as well as St. Mark, who later wrote the first gospel.

        On our journeys today, think of someone who has been a source of encouragement in our own lives. Give thanks to God for that person and pray for them. Maybe we can be a "Barnabas" to someone today, that is, a source of encouragement to them!

Great to have you back at Mass and I look forward to seeing you this weekend...Fr. Pat