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Pastor's Letter -- May 30, 2021
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Last weekend was the first with masks not required of the entire congregation. We will continue to provide a space in the church that offers required masks to provide for parishioners who want to attend Mass but do not wish to be near others who are unmasked. In charity for the various levels of comfort and of potential dangers to their health, it is fitting for us to honor that space for the foreseeable future. Let us pray that the vaccinations continue to prove effective in diminishing the spread of this virus and thus protect those must vulnerable.
In two weeks, the bishop’s dispensation from Sunday Mass (and holy days) will be only for specific cases (check the website for more information). I hope this brings more parishioners back to Mass, but for some this may be the first time in quite a while. Finally we have lots of floor space, with fresh new carpet and useable tile floor! I’m thrilled and think it looks amazing! And farewell dust! Hopefully in a month or so we will also have pews with new kneeler pads. This week they will start to prepare the marble up front for our tabernacle and statue of St. Thérèse. Wow, it only gets better. Sometimes change is good, at least when it’s finally done!
We may feel like our parish is in a flood of transition. The list could be extensive: Covid-19, church renovations, graduations, new jobs and transfers, and a new pastor.
I saw a bumper sticker on Monday that made a simple statement of faith in the midst of this time we are all in the midst of (for one reason or another). It read: “The struggle is real, but so is God.” I thought this was a beautifully simple way of expressing why he can continue to be joyful and hopeful in the midst of the trials in our personal lives and in our world. Suffering exists, and we do not need to pretend that it is easy, this is perhaps one big reason why the crucifix has remained a prominent artwork of the Christian for centuries, and found in churches, homes and almost anywhere else: God’s suffering is real, and so is ours. But most importantly, it reminds us at the same time that God is real, and right there in it with us. Thus we can be at peace through trials, as so many martyrs testified to, and as so many Christians manifest even today.
As we transition to a new pastor, remember that the mission of the parish is bigger than the pastor, but includes and incorporates his gifts and abilities, and also supports him where he needs it. Our mission is ultimately God’s mission for the parish, and certainly lasts much longer than just one year. So we continue to embrace with full hearts what God is inviting us to: Driven by the missionary zeal of St. Thérèse, the Lord anoints us to proclaim to the poor and broken the good news that Jesus calls us to abundant life in Him.
This is as true as ever. And in a similar vein, the parish pastoral plan continues to inspire and direct our work as a parish. It gives me much peace to know that God’s work during my years here will continue to grow and bear fruit even after I am gone. In Christ’s own words: “ Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true.” May God continue to bring abundant harvest at St. Thérèse, Little Flower through Fr. Julius’ ministry!
