The Gospel this weekend presents the image of the Kingdom of God as a small mustard seed, which grows into an abundant place of safety and protection for all the birds of the air. As I continue to meet many of you and to witness your generosity and kindness, I am reminded that in large and small ways you are fulfilling this Gospel by making our parish a place where many can find safety and rest for their souls.

  Speaking of souls finding rest, this weekend we will celebrate the traditional Month’s Mind Masses for Fr. Dan Redmond and we will offer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at all Masses. Since the Middle Ages, it has been a custom in the Church to celebrate a Mass about 30-days after a person’s death, in memory of the deceased. It is also fitting that we celebrate the Anointing of the Sick, because this Sacrament is not only for those who are at the point of death, but for anyone whose health is seriously impaired by sickness (body, mind, or spirit) or old age. Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened, even though no serious illness is present. Sick children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by this Sacrament.

  Let us continue to pray in a special way for Fr. Redmond and for all of us in need of healing of body, mind, and spirit. As Saint Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians, “If one member suffers in the Body of Christ, all members suffer with that member” (1 Cor. 12:26). Souls will find rest as we gather as a parish community, join in the prayers, and show kindness and charity to all those who have faced loss or are in need of healing and peace.

   Thank you for all you do to build the Kingdom in our parish and in our community. Summer programs and events are starting up again with Life Teen gatherings for graduated 8th graders and high school students (Tuesday, June 15), Vacation Bible School (week of June 21st), and a Pastoral Council cookout (Monday, June 21). May these coming weeks be a time for us all to deepen our faith, hope, and love. Pray for us, O’ holy Mother of God.

Faithfully in Christ,
Fr. Andy