Dear Friends in Christ,
During the month of May, we honor Mary, the Blessed Mother. She is the Mother of God and we are also her adopted sons and daughters. Her example of humility, loyalty, and availability are qualities for us to embrace in our relationship with God and the Church. Perhaps this month you would consider developing a deeper devotion to the Rosary. Last week in my homily I spoke about the need for us to find peace. Praying the Rosary helps in providing us with a focus on the life of Christ, an opportunity to embrace the qualities of Mary and also to ask for her intercession for our needs and petitions. If you find it challenging to pray an entire Rosary (five decades), perhaps you would consider praying a decade a day to get started. I am confident that you will enjoy this sacred time and it will develop and grow into a deeper desire to pray more fully each day.
Today we also celebrate Mother’s Day. We give thanks to our mothers (living or deceased) for the gift of life that they have shared with us and for the example and loving guidance provided through their vocation. It is also a day for us to honor those who have exhibited the beautiful qualities of the vocation of motherhood with us. May God’s protection and grace be poured especially upon all of the women of our parish family on this day!
On May 25, Bishop Noonan will ordain four men to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Orlando. The Ordination Mass will take place at 10am at St. James Cathedral (215 North Orange Avenue, Orlando). If you have never attended an Ordination, I know that you will enjoy the beauty and sacredness of the celebration. Please pray for these men as they begin their Priesthood, that God will bless them with the heart of the Good Shepherd and the ability to be His witness to those to whom they minister.
When you come before the Lord this week, please pray the Priests and Religious Sisters that staff our parish. Know that we will remember you, your loved ones and your intentions in our prayers as well. May we meet each day in our prayers!
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor