Dear Friends in Christ,
Although you are reading this bulletin over the weekend, it is prepared in the middle of the week to allow time for editing and printing. Thank goodness for technology as I am writing this from northern Illinois (I am at a program for continuing education) where it is in the 40’s outside right now. As refreshing as that sounds I realize that after living in Florida for 32 years, I am very comfortable and ‘at home’ when it is humid and the temperature is in the 90’s!
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. 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. I hope that you will join us this Wednesday, May 20 for the Living Rosary and May Crowning at 7pm in the Church.
Last weekend I announced that Fr. Benjamin Lehnertz has been re-assigned to Holy Family Catholic Church in Orlando. I am very grateful to Fr. Lehnertz for his dedication to our parish family these past two years. I invite you to attend the Parish Picnic on Sunday, May 31 to personally thank him.
Deacon Josh Swallows, soon to be Fr. Josh Swallows , has been assigned as our new Parochial Vicar. Fr. Swallows will be ordained on Saturday, May 23 at 10am at St. James Cathedral and will begin his responsibilities at Annunciation in mid-June. You are invited to attend the Ordination Mass next Saturday. Thank you for your prayers and patience during this time of transition.
When you come before the Lord this week, please pray for me and for the Priests, Religious Sisters and Staff of our parish. Know that we will pray for you, your intentions and your loved ones. We may not see each other each day but may we meet each day in our prayers.
In Christ,
Very Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor
