Dear Friends of our Pastorate of the Visitation,
This weekend, we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost and the conclusion of the Easter Season. As we have journeyed through the Easter Season, we have been reading through the Acts of the Apostles, which recalls all of the miraculous events that occurred in the early days of the Church following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that was received on that first Pentecost. This was not just a one-time event. The Holy Spirit continues to be poured out upon us, constantly renewing the face of the earth and drawing us deeper into the divine life of the Trinity (which we will celebrate next Sunday). The Holy Spirit is in us right now, prompting us to take on the apostolic mission that has been given to all of us who make up the Body of Christ. Today and every day, may we say ‘Yes’ to the Holy Spirit and allow the Spirit of God to guide our words and actions so that we too may continue the mission entrusted to the disciples on that first Pentecost… to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the whole world.
I would like to congratulate all of our parishioners who are graduating from school this year. From kindergarten to college, may the Lord bless our youth and young adults as they prepare for the next stages in their lives. This Sunday at the 10:45am Mass at OLC, we will be honoring our high school graduates who have blessed the parish with their service.
I am happy to announce that newly ordained Deacon Phil Snyder has been assigned to our pastorate! His official start date is June 1st. Please join me in officially welcoming Deacon Phil and his wife, Cathy, to our pastorate.
Attention all pastorate volunteers!!! Please take a moment and RSVP to our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner being held on Friday, June 5th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm at Our Lady of the Chesapeake in the Gathering Place. All volunteers and spouses are invited to attend. To RSVP, please call Tracey at St. Jane’s (410-255-4646). Thank you all for your service to our pastorate!
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has submitted to the court a proposed plan of Chapter 11 reorganization. As part of this proposal, our parishes may choose to enter into a simplified Chapter 11 for a short period of time later in the process. This would be a legal step intended to help bring about a just and unified resolution… and bring an end to this Chapter 11 process. This will not affect what we do. Our parish/pastorate life continues. Our Masses, ministries, staff, and service to our community remain unchanged. This is just a proposal. Mediation and conversations are ongoing, and the plan will continue to develop. We will keep you informed as we are able. Please continue to pray for all survivors and for the healing and unity of our Church.
Thank you for keeping our Pastorate of the Visitation—St. Jane Frances de Chantal and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—in your daily prayers!
God Bless,
Fr. Steve
