Dear Friends in Christ,
Happy Labor Day weekend! Thank you for your efforts and labor that make our parish a special place.
Last weekend the Scriptures focused on humility and I read the passage below as part of my homily. These words were on a holy card that I picked up about 20 years ago and they have helped me personally. I share them with you so that this prayer may also help you.
When I compare myself with others, I have an immense sense of failure, of inadequacy because I see only their strengths which seldom are my strengths. But when I forget comparisons and look only to what needs to be done, what can be done, I am at peace in the knowledge that I have something to give, something to offer. If I give of myself, it will make a difference, even though someone else could have given more, could have loved more perfectly, could have succeeded where I failed. If only everyone realized that the gift he can give is unique and does make a difference! What pain of self-pity he would be spared! We can never be the people we admire. We can only be ourselves, and that alone is admirable.
When you come before the Lord this week, please pray for our Priests, Religious Sisters and Staff. Know that we will pray for you, your intentions and your loved ones. May we meet each day in our prayers!
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor