From Father Steven - July 9, 2023

​Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
As we celebrate Independence Day this week, we have an opportunity to thank God for the birth of our nation, not just once a year, but continually to be grateful. As we have time to rest over the next summer weeks, we are also invited to dedicate time to God and our neighbor. This great nation was not founded and built without God and neighbor. So, this week we are invited to stop for a moment to thank them.
 
Over these next weeks there will be plenty of picnics, BBQs, time to visit family and friends. Whether we travel or stay home, it is important to rest from our regular activities. Considering that it’s summer, we should take advantage and go out, exercise, and enjoy God’s creation. Speaking of God, we never take vacation from Him. Quite the contrary, we should also dedicate more time to him. I understand that during the busy months, we are running up and down with our duties, and we don’t have much time for prayer. Maybe we do the minimum such as our morning prayers and devotions, rosary, grace before meals, and the night prayers. Now that we are more relaxed, we can attend adoration every day 6:30-7:30am, daily masses at 7:30am, stop by the church to pray at any time during the time (until 7pm) among other activities. For those who will be traveling, you will be in our prayers and make sure that we schedule our travels in such a way that allows us to attend Sunday masses.
 
In the summer we also have time to take care of our neighbors. In our daily activities, sometimes we lose contact with friends and relatives for not having time to call or visit them. This is the perfect time to catch up with old pals. If they live out of state, a phone call here and there will also be great. We should also open our hearts for those who live near us. Sometimes we make a big effort to connect with people across the world, and that next door we limit ourselves to a polite wave on the way in or out of the house. We should create bridges with those around us. Whether baking something for them, inviting them over, or a simple friend chat over the yard goes a long way. In my ministry I see people isolated quite often. There are several reasons for which they might not be able to reach out, but most would react well if someone reaches out to them. The same can be said for those who are struggling with homelessness. During the winter time there is a great concern for them because of the cold. During the summer, heat can be another very serious issue. As dehydration and sunstroke is a concern to us and our children, but it affects them even more. Therefore, if you see someone in need, don’t be afraid to reach out. This is again how our country grew stronger, by building it together!
 
This weekend we will hear a very familiar Gospel, which Jesus invites us to rest in Him. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” So, let us draw closer to him, to be able to anticipate the eternal rest in heaven here today. We can unite Jesus and rest. Whether reading some spiritual book, or watching a holy movie. In case you have not heard me say this in the past, there is a movie that recently came out on Amazon Prime called “Man of God.” It’s based on the true story of the Greek Orthodox Bishop St. Nektarios. It was one of the best movies I watched recently. I began watching Two Crowns the other day, but I have not finished yet. It is based on the story of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Then there are some classics that never grow old, such as the Scarlet and the Black and St. Damien of Molokai. There many more in Formed.org, that if you have not signed up, it’s really worthy. The parish pays an annual subscription, so that you may enjoy it for free. You can go to their website formed.org, select sign up as a parishioner, enter the parish Zip Code, select our parish, and enter your email. Once you validate your email, you can then download the app and enter your credentials. St. Rita of Cascia, and St. Bakhita are my personal favorites. I will certainly keep you all in my prayers, as I ask you to pray for us.
 
God Bless,
Fr. Steven