From the Pastor's Desk...

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

     Over the past few months, parishioners have shared with me their sadness about violence in society.The Ukraine war and other world conflicts are discouraging. We also hear of too many crimes that injure and kill people here and around the country. But it can feel like it is too much when we had the back-to-back attacks in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, TX. Someone shared that it feels like we are under attack, when shoppers in a grocery store and students in a school are killed.

     These are unpleasant feelings. Yet, it is possible to consider our sadness as a good sign that we respect human life. We do not accept injustice perpetrated against people. It does not matter whether people are near or far, whether we know them and their towns or not. We reject violence, because it is a sin against God’s love for each person. We know that Jesus Christ conquered sin and death. And God works through our Christian discipleship to heal wounds and preserve justice.

     In that spirit, I invite you to offer this prayer:

Heavenly Father, you are the source of life and the origin of our world. As we praise you for these gifts, we grieve the sins that destroy lives and that rob us of peace. We ask your protection from violence and comfort in our suffering.

Give solace to the families and communities of Buffalo and Uvalde.
Give comfort to all those who have witnessed these tragedies and are trying to comprehend these senseless acts.

Give insight and courage to civil leaders to improve public safety. Bless us with your protection, for we are all your children. Bless us to strive to bring the peace of Christ to a troubled world.

Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

     You may also join us in Church at Noon on Friday, June 3. After the 11:00 AM Anointing of the Sick Mass, I will lead a 15-minute public prayer for healing. We will pray for everyone affected by violence, especially those suffering because of the attacks at the Tops supermarket and at Robb Elementary School.

       It seemed like good timing to have the prayer service after the First Friday Anointing of the Sick Mass. The Sacrament is for healing and comfort for those who are seriously ill, advanced in age, undergoing treatment, or dealing with chronic conditions. It is appropriate to continue at noon with this prayer for spiritual, emotional, community, and physical healing for everyone affected by these one-after-another tragedies.

Yours truly in the Sacred Heart,
Father Pat