Dear Friends of our Pastorate,
This weekend we celebrate the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our Gospel this weekend is the account of James and John, two of Jesus’ Apostles, asking the Lord for special places of honor once the Lord is enthroned in glory. Jesus asked them if they really understand what they are asking, to which they say ‘Yes.’ But they really don’t know, for those places of honor are meant for everyone who is willing to follow Christ to the cross, for the Lord has come to serve and to be served AND to be willing to surrender our earthly lives in order to do so.
All of us are asked by the Lord to follow him in this way—to be ready and able to serve others instead of sitting back and asking others to serve us. At our pastorate parishes, we always have open invitations and opportunities for every one of us to put this model of discipleship into practice—to serve others by being of service to our parishes. Both parishes could benefit from people helping to serve at our Sunday Masses as greeters, ushers, lectors, extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and altar servers. Our ranks have thinned out over the years, so we ask you to consider ways the Holy Spirit is prompting you and your family to serve others by serving at Mass.
Another way we can serve our parishes is through the sharing of our gifts through our fall stewardship program called “Forward in Faith.” In the bulletin this weekend, you will find information about how you can serve your parish by helping us maintain our facilities, expand our programs, and support our staff. Unlike the parish of the 1950s, Fr. John and I are not able to minister to two large and active parishes without the assistance of dedicated pastoral and administrative staff. (Actually we have an opening for a part time Administrative Assistant position at OLC.) Your ongoing financial support helps us to maintain our services to our pastorate community, so I ask you to deepen your stewardship by making a commitment to your level of giving over the next year. Thank you!
If you have not used online giving in the past, please consider doing so in the coming year. Both parishes have programs that can facilitate your giving and help keep your commitment consistent, even when you are away for a weekend. Information on how to set up online giving (or update your current level of giving) can be found on the “Forward in Faith” flyer in this weekend’s bulletin.
Thank you for keeping our Pastorate of the Visitation—St. Jane Frances and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—in your daily prayers!
God Bless,
Father Steve
