Dear Friends of our Pastorate,
This weekend, we celebrate the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our readings speak to us about faith. The Letter to the Hebrews sums up the biblical understanding of Faith – the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. This gives us some insight into the gift of faith that each of us has been offered by God. Biblical faith is having trust in God’s promises even when we cannot actually see them or experience them in the present. The Catechism says that faith is our response to God who has revealed Himself to us and gives Himself to us so that, as we search for life’s meaning and purpose, we come to discover it through God’s self-revelation in Christ.
Jesus reinforces this through the parable he tells in the Gospel about the servants remaining vigilant for the return of their master, who may return at any time. They do not know when, but they have faith that he will, and in the meantime, they ought to be ready when he does return. We do not know when Jesus will come again in glory, but we have faith that he will return as he said he would. In the meantime, we are asked to live our lives in faith that the Lord is faithful to His promises.
I would like to thank everyone who assisted with Part 2 of our Pastorate’s Summer Mission. We had over 50 middle and high schoolers sign up to serve in our local community and enjoy some fun times together during the afternoons. Special thanks to Carrie Hilmer and Diana Healy for their work in organizing this awesome service opportunity for our youth.
It is hard to believe that summer is rapidly coming to an end and school will begin in a couple of weeks. Mark your calendars for our annual backpack and book bag blessing the weekend of Aug. 23-24. All of our students returning to school are invited to bring their backpacks and book bags to Mass as we bless them and their upcoming school year.
We will also be welcoming the Little Sisters of the Poor to our Pastorate during the last two weekends in August. The sisters will be at OLC the weekend of Aug 23-24 and at St Jane Frances the weekend of Aug 30-31.
This Friday, August 15th, is the Solemnity of the Assumption, a Holy Day of Obligation (think Opportunity because you are being offered this awesome opportunity to hear the Word of God and to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.). Masses will be offered on Thursday, August 14th at 7:00pm at St. Jane, and Friday, August 15th at 8:30am (St Jane), 12:00pm (OLC), and 7:00pm (OLC).
Finally, please keep Tracey Laber, St. Jane’s office assistant, and her family in your prayers. Tracey’s father, Robert Sanders, passed away on Aug 3rd. May Robert rest in peace.
Thank you for keeping our Pastorate of the Visitation—Our Lady of the Chesapeake and St. Jane Frances—in your daily prayers!
God Bless,
Father Steve
