Fr. Daniel's Letter to the Parishioners

 

Dear Parishioners,
This weekend is the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year, 2020 and so the Church celebrates Christ the King of the Universe. As we were talking in the office about the cover for the bulletin, we settled on the crucifixion scene, because our faith believes that it is from the cross on Calvary where Jesus reigned supreme. We believe that the cross is his throne and his rule is one of self-offering and sacrifice. So as the world sees ruling others by also gaining wealth, prestige, access and power, Jesus rules through self-emptying, humility, and service. There could be no greater contrast between the ruling classes of our day and the example and message of Jesus. It would be nice if those who have political and governing power from both parties in our country took a page from “Jesus’ playbook” on how to rule. As our nation has fewer and fewer leaders who are religious or are religious in name only, it is easy to see how worldly values are taking hold in our nation. Let us pray for all of our leaders on this day of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
I would like to give a shout out for all those who are joining us online for Night Prayer. We are calling it our internet chapel as the priests in the rectory gather at 9:00 PM each night and pray along with those who join online. We use the Breviary, Liturgy of the Hours, which is the prayer of the Church. This prayer is prayed in all monastery, convents, and rectories, by priests, brothers, sisters, monks, nuns and lay people in many different languages throughout the world. Even the pope prays this prayer at the end of his day. If you want to pray along with us as a way to end your day, join us streaming on our website, Facebook Page, YouTube Channel, and parish app. It is nothing fancy or professional, just fellow Catholics praying together and saying good night to each other before we “sleep with the angels”. Those who do Facebook use the comment section to connect with each other and they have built a prayerful community.
Because of Thanksgiving holiday, this letter to the parishioners was due early. At the time of writing these thoughts, we are still having Masses. However, the threat of a shutdown looms over our heads because of the significant rise in cases of Covid-19. Even as the end of the pandemic seems far away, we can still give thanks to God this Thanksgiving. We are not sure how Thanksgiving and Christmas will look this year, but hopefully through technology we will be able to stay as connected as we can. I know I will do my best, along with the staff, to keep the fuel of faith alive during these stressful times.
– Peace, Fr. Daniel

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