Pastor's Letter -- February 13th, 2022

Dearly beloved parishioners,

This weekend we celebrate National Marriage week as we commemorate St. Valentine, who is an icon for committed and sacrificial married love. I want to thank all married people who are doing their best to live the vows that they made to one another. You are a shining example for our world, and we are grateful for your witnessing. I commend to the powerful intercession of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph all whose marriages have come upon hard times and are struggling to keep the storm from taking control of the ship of their marriage. My prayers are also with families that have experienced painful separation or divorce. May the Lord heal their pain and be their support. I pray also for the many young people who are dating or discerning marriage, that they will be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they make decisions for married life.

Marriage is one of the seven efficacious signs which communicate grace to its recipients, and which we call sacraments. The church teaches that marriage is not purely a human institution, but has God as its author (CCC 1603). Despite the many variations this sacrament might have taken through the ages, marriage has been established by God, and with its own proper laws. It therefore seems proper to make recourse to God for what his intention is for this institution, rather than creating new laws, on the basis of popular acclaim or what the news media think. It is in turning to God for lessons on how to live married life that married couples can truly enjoy the blessedness that comes from trusting in God rather than the curse, which comes from trusting in human beings. Just as God is a community of persons, he has created us to live in community with other human beings. God does not want us to do life alone, and marriage should not be lived in isolation. I urge married people to continue to search the scriptures and the teachings of the Church to know what God’s plan is for marriage. To do this is to trust your marriages to the loving care of God. Many of us have the fortune of knowing mature couples who are living out God’s plan for marriage. I encourage young couples to search for and select mentor couples who are examples of good Christian marriages and to fellowship with other Christians who are trying to live out the marriage vocation in a confused and always changing world. As a parish we are trying to provide such opportunities with our Households. Please consider going to one of the meetings and connect with other people of faith who are zealous about God and God’s call to love. Happy Valentine’s Day!

May Jesus bless you, and may Our Lady protect you!