Around the Parish – February 16, 2025

Blessings and Challenges: The Sermon on the Plain

This Sunday’s Gospel presents Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, commonly referred to as the Sermon on the Plain. Unlike Matthew’s more familiar account, Luke’s Beatitudes are direct and accompanied by corresponding “woes” that highlight the stark contrast between those who seek fulfillment in God and those who rely solely on worldly comforts. Jesus blesses the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful, and the persecuted—not because suffering itself is good, but because God promises to fill and redeem them. At the same time, He warns the rich, the satisfied, and the comfortable, cautioning against complacency and self-reliance that can lead us away from God. This Gospel challenges us to examine where we place our trust—do we cling to the fleeting security of this world, or do we seek the lasting joy found in Christ?

24 Hours for the Lord – Adoration Sign-Ups Available

We are still in need of adorers for our upcoming 24 Hours for the Lord Adoration. This is a beautiful opportunity to spend quiet time with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Please consider signing up for an hour—whether during the day or in the quiet of the night—so that we may ensure continuous prayer during this special time of grace.

Vigil Candle Price Adjustment

Beginning immediately, due to rising costs, the price of votive candles in the church will be adjusted. The votive candles in front of the Mary and St. Joseph altars will increase from $3 to $5 per candle, and the tea light candles by the Sacred Heart statue will increase from $0.25 to $0.50. This change is necessary to continue providing these sacramentals while covering the increased cost of supplies. Thank you for your understanding and for your continued devotion to this meaningful tradition of prayer and remembrance.

First VBS Planning Meeting – February 26

Our first Vacation Bible School planning meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:30 PM in the parish conference room. If you are interested in helping with VBS this summer—whether in teaching, crafts, music, or logistics—please join us for this important meeting!

A Pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Doors

On Monday, February 17, my mother and I will be traveling to Rome for a few days. I want to assure you that I will be praying for all of you in a special way as I visit the Eternal City, especially at the tombs of the apostles and the great basilicas of our faith.

As we continue celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope, one of the most profound traditions of a Jubilee is the Holy Door. Found in each of the four major basilicas of Rome, the Holy Door is normally sealed shut but is opened during a Jubilee Year as a sign of God’s mercy and the call to conversion. Pilgrims who pass through the Holy Door with a spirit of faith, repentance, and prayer receive a special plenary indulgence, a reminder that God’s grace is always open to us.

I hope to share pictures and updates on Facebook throughout the week, so I encourage you to follow along online! Please pray for safe travels, and be assured of my prayers for you as well.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Our attitude and interactions are like price tags: they show how valuable we are. Success occurs when our goals are bigger than our excuses. Self discipline is the bridge between our goals and our accomplishments. Every kind action that we perform is a vote for the kind of person we wish to become. 

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.