God’s Faith in Us

Dear Parishioners,

Before Jesus left the disciples (Mark 16:15-20), he once again reminded them that they had a job, his job, to do (Acts 1:1-11). They were to wait for the Holy Spirit, but afterwards they would continue his work around the world through all the ages, until he returned again in glory. We often remark about the faith in Jesus that the fulfillment of that mission required from the apostles. And indeed, it did require faith from them, as it continues to require faith from us today… to carry out the mission of our Lord.

But just think for a moment about the faith Jesus had in the disciples and in us. After pouring himself into them for three years, after dying on the cross for the redemption of the world, after returning to them in the power of Easter, Jesus left his entire mission to that group of disciples, and by extension, to all of us. Now that is amazing faith indeed!

- Deacon Robert

“The Blessed Virgin loves above all
to see in her children purity,
humility, and charity.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Give Thanks For Our Mothers!

Dear Parishioners,

How appropriate today’s gospel (John 15:9-17) is as we celebrate Mother’s Day. Jesus talks about love and commands us to love one another as he has loved us. He reminds us that real love is sacrificial, “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Mothers are known for their devotion to their children and the awesome sacrifices they make on behalf of their children. Indeed, their love is so intense that they are often incapable of believing anything bad about their children no matter how much evidence to the contrary. Still even the most hardened criminal will have a soft spot in his heart for his mother as he remembers all the love, affection, and discipline she gave to him.

Today, let us remember our mothers, living or deceased, and give thanks to God for the blessings they have been in our lives.

- Fr. Carl

The Vine and the Branches

Dear Parishioners,

The Bible uses many vivid images to describe God and the Church and our relationship with them. It’s a unique and intimate connection. Today’s gospel (John 15:1-8) reminds us that this relationship is like a vine and its branches. Jesus is the vine who provides life and nourishment to us, the branches. May we never do anything to cut ourselves off from this life-giving relationship.

- Fr. Carl

“If you are afraid of other people’s opinion,
you should not have become a Christian.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Pray for More Priests!

Dear Parishioners,

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally called Good Shepherd Sunday, and the world day of prayer for vocations, and especially prayer for priestly vocations.

The gospel is always from a part of John 10 (11-18); Jesus’ sermon on the “Good Shepherd.” Like the good shepherd, Jesus never abandons his flock, always protects the flock from any and all dangers, and even lays down his life for the good of the flock if necessary.

Today, there is a great shortage of priests in most of the world, especially in the United States, and particularly in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Currently, 17 of our 153 active priests are over the age of 70. If the current trends hold, the number of active priests will be reduced to less than 100 over the next 15 years.

If you see a young man who you think might make a good priest, mention it to him gently. That seed of encouragement might, with the water of the Holy Spirit, take root and grow into a vocation. At the very least, pray not only today, but every day for an increase in vocations for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

- Fr. Carl

“To pray well we need not speak much.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Dear Parishioners,

What defines us as followers of Jesus, a people who are Christ-like, Christ-centered, Christian? Memorized words? Regimented rituals? Remembered stories? Those things surely inform our Christian experience, but God help us all if they define it.

To be a Christian is to champion a radical picture of God, made living and lifechanging
through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. To be a Christian is to define our lives by a grace none of us deserve and can never earn. To be a Christian is to live joyfully in this new humanity God is creating… a humanity we call the Church.

- Deacon Robert

“When you hear Mass, do you come in
the same frame of mind as the Blessed
Virgin at Calvary? Because it is the
same God, and the same Sacrifice.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Let's Not Rest On Our Laurels

Dear Parishioners,

What a wonderful Holy Week it was! The different liturgies on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday, as well as our devotions of the Stations of the Cross and Tenebrae, were all well attended and well celebrated by young and old alike. It was particularly good to see so many of our teens in attendance.

I can’t thank all those who worked so hard to make these services so beautiful – the Decorating Committee, the Choir and our Musicians, the Lectors, Cantors, Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, our Masters of Ceremonies, our Ushers, our deacon, Robert Vlcej, and Fathers Brian Nolan, Jack Kelly, and Ray Lelii. It was truly a team effort. And of course, thanks to all of you who came and participated. Your presence and participation helped and inspired us to lead you in prayer. But most all, we need to thank the Good Lord for all he has done in history and whose Holy Spirit was present in the liturgies and hearts of all who participated.

Now there is a temptation to sit back, relax, and congratulate ourselves. However, that would be counter-productive to our Lenten resolve and Easter joy. The Good Lord invites us to continue onward and turn Holy Week into a Holy Year.

- Fr. Carl

“God wills that we should work today
and tomorrow; and after that, an
eternity of joy, of happiness,
awaits us in Heaven.”
- The Cure D’Ars

Happy Easter!

Dear Parishioners,

Every year around this time, the darkness of winter turns into the brightness of spring. Dead branches, bushes, and flowers all spring to life. However, this doesn’t last, because spring turns to summer, then fall, and then back to the darkness of winter. What does last, and what should give us eternal hope, is the joy of the Resurrection we celebrate Easter Sunday and re-celebrate each Sunday of the year. It is a constant reminder that good triumphs over evil; right conquers might; and that we can share in our Lord’s victory through eternity if we are faithful to Him here during our time on earth. May you and your families all have a joyous Easter.

- Fr. Carl

“If I make God to reign in my heart,
He will make me to reign with
Him in His glory.”
- The Cure D’Ars