Dear Parishioners,
In today’s gospel, Jesus says these commandments are the greatest: “You shall love the Lord, your God… and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt 22:34-40) The classical Catholic definition of love is “willing the good of another.” Love is not a feeling, it’s a decision, an act of the will. We love God, our family, and neighbor when we do things for them when we don’t feel like doing them.
St. Dymphna Mental Health Ministry
With mental health becoming a growing concern among our families, the pastorate’s newest ministry couldn’t be more timely. I’ve had the privilege of working closely this summer with the Core Team of parishioners from OLC and SJF, being led by Paula Gentile, who have been pouring their hearts into planning and preparing to launch this much-needed ministry. Named for St. Dymphna—the patron saint of mental health—the St. Dymphna Mental Health Ministry hosts a Prayer Gathering & Conversation every other month. It’s an opportunity for anyone with mental illness, and/or those who love them, to gather together for prayer in a caring and listening atmosphere, followed by casual conversation over light refreshments, in a relaxed environment free of pressure, personal questions, or therapeutic advice. You’re welcome to come to our first Prayer Gathering & Conversation on Tuesday, November 14th at 7:00 pm at Our Lady of the Chesapeake in the Maryland Suite. I wish this type of ministry had been around when my wife Shirley was struggling with her mental illness years ago.
Axe-Throwing Challenge & Pig Roast & Family Games Event Results
Last Saturday’s Axe-Throwing Challenge & Pig Roast & Family Games Event at OLC was a big hit… enjoyed by over 150 men, women, and children! It was refreshing to see so many non-parishioners who came because parishioners invited them (“3 in 1”). It was loads of fun watching husbands and wives, mothers and sons, etc. competing side by side in the timed “as many points as you can score in 60 seconds” competition. Congratulations to the Axe-Throwing Competition’s Grand Prize winner… DENNIS BRYANT! who was awarded the pig’s head on a platter and a St. Joseph Terror of Demons picture. Runner up Ashley Klaiss, the top woman scorer, came up with a great suggestion for next year’s competition, which I endorse: introduce 4-point Throwing Stars competition (they stay stuck in the wood easier)!
…A special thanks to OLC’s Grand Knight Joshua Frank who planned and hosted the entire event with his Knights of Columbus Council 10881, receiving excellent support from Pasquale Carannante who spearheaded the food planning, purchasing, and preparation, and Pat Cappelaere who donated and roasted the 100-pound pig with his companions. Also great thanks to SJF’s Grand Knight David Gonzales and his Knights of Columbus Council 10966 (especially Dennis Bryant, and their sons) who put on the axe throwing competition and family games. Thanks also to our pastorate’s Director of Operations Mike Downes who set up the portable electrical power and lighting system (generously provided by Bay Country Rentals free of charge) and the sound systems.
Peace in Christ,
Father Jim
