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September 9, 2022Dear Parishioners,
On the Feast of our Diocesan Patron St. Augustine (August 28), Bishop Bradley announced another special year of Spiritual Priestly Renewal and Prayer for Vocations. Bishop invited all the priests to gather with him at the Cathedral this past Thursday, September 8, to begin this special year (which will conclude on Pentecost). This special year of prayer has a little different format than what we had for the Jubilee Year of the Holy Spirit. All of us have noticed that vocations for the priesthood and the religious life are not what they used to be. Luckily, for the past two years, we have ordained one priest each year. But that does not keep up with priests who get sick or retire. Along with Bishop Bradley, your priests ask for prayers for us and for our continued ministry as priests, as well as to pray for vocations. Bishop Bradley has written what he calls his “last” Pastoral letter as our Bishop: "Behold, I Make All Things New: A Pastoral Letter on the Year of Spiritual Priestly Renewal and Prayer for Vocations.” This is available as a digital copy on the Diocesan Website and printed copies will be arriving soon.
On this September 11, we also remember as a nation what happened 21 years ago. As we remember, pray for all those whose lives were lost or changed because of this day. Entering into this Year of Prayer for Priests, I need to mention Fr. Judge, the Franciscan Priest who was Chaplain to the New York Fire Department. When the plane crashed into the Twin Towers, he rushed to the scene and was killed when one of the towers collapsed on him. He showed great bravery and courage as he sought to offer prayer and comfort to the victims. Ironically, he was the first body recovered from the rubble. In this year of prayer for priests and vocations, we have a great reminder to pray for our priests who are there for us in both the good times and bad times in life.
I invite you to join us for our annual Parish Picnic this Sunday afternoon from Noon-3:00 pm. in the Stanley Centre. Please join us.
Thanks for reading!
Fr. Mark