Dear Parishioners,
It’s hard to believe that only 2 weeks ago we celebrated the 75th anniversary of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish. For those of you unable to attend, it was a glorious event with six visiting priests, good music at Mass, and an inspirational homily by Msgr. Jay O’Connor who grew up in the parish and attended the parish school. The Mass was followed by a social gathering at Kurtz’s Beach featuring a silent auction, appetizers, a nice meal, and good conversation. Many of the attendees came up to me and said what a nice occasion it was. One of the highlights of the Mass and gathering was the presence of two former teachers, Sr. James Brian and Sr. Aloysius, both of whom taught here for 30 years and were celebrating 55 and 60 years of serving the Lord as School Sisters of Notre Dame. They were truly an inspiration.
So much for the old; the new is now here. This weekend, we celebrate the beginning of the new liturgical or church year as Sunday marks the First Sunday of Advent. Among other themes in the scriptures this weekend, Psalm 25 concentrates on walking in paths which bring us life (Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14). The key to finding the right path is humility which allows us to confess our absolute dependence upon God and makes us less sure that we have all the answers. After all, we are fallible human beings, whereas God is all knowing. The old TV show in the fifties had it right, “Father Knows Best.”
Fr. Carl
