Dear Friends in Christ,
About ten days ago I had the opportunity to travel to Connecticut to be present for the final profession of Sr. Bethany Madonna, S.V. I first came in to contact with Sr. Bethany eleven years ago when she was a college student at the University of Central Florida and was involved in Catholic Campus Ministry. At that time she was discerning a call to become a Nun, and was very involved in the ministry. Immediately after graduating, she entered the Sisters of Life, based in the New York City area. It was a wonderful experience to now attend her final profession and see her incredible joy in her vocation of serving the Church. Please pray that some of the young ladies of our parish may consider a vocation to Consecrated Life. Next weekend, look for some details about our beloved Servants of the Pierced Hearts, who are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the founding of their Order on Aug. 15. I am extremely grateful for their ministry in our parish community.
As you can see from the bulletin cover, the first day of school was this past Wednesday. There was a great sense of joy and anticipation in the Courtyard that morning as we prayed together to commence the new academic year. Seminole County and Orange County are also heading back to school this week and next respectively. I hope that it is a good start to the new year for all of our students. All drivers on the road should be aware of the need for increased safety as well. With the new academic year I also encourage our families to please register for Faith Formation for Children and Youth. Information about the various programs is included in this bulletin. Thank you for your attention to registering as soon as possible!
During these weeks of the summer Cycle B readings, our Gospel is from John 6, also known as the Bread of Life discourses. Last weekend at all of the Masses I spoke about the various preparations that occur before each of our Masses and reviewed the vesture of the Priest. This weekend, we are going to go into more detail about the Liturgy of the Word at the appropriate time during the Mass. Thank you for your attention and interest in growing in faith. I especially invite all adults of our parish to participate more fully in our faith by checking out the various offerings and programs of Faith Formation for Adults.
When you come before the Lord this week, please whisper my name to the Almighty! All of our Priests and Sisters appreciate your prayers for us. Know that we will remember you, your loved ones and your intentions in our prayers.
We may not see each other each day but may we meet each day in our prayers!
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor
