Dear Parish Family,

In this weekend’s gospel, one of Jesus’ disciples says to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” It’s such a simple request, but deep. Because they had seen Jesus pray many times. 

They noticed something different about His prayer. Something personal, powerful, full of love and confidence. They were asking Jesus to bring them into the heart of His relationship with God.

 

Jesus doesn’t begin by teaching a technique. He doesn’t say, “Fold your hands like this” or “Say these words at this time of day.” Instead, He teaches them the content and the heart of prayer. He begins with a simple but deep word, “Father.”

Just one word, “Father,” but a word that changes everything. In teaching us to begin prayer with “Father,” Jesus is inviting us into His own relationship with God. He is the Son, and we are invited to share in His sonship. By calling God ‘Father,’ we are reminded who we are. We are children- Sons and daughters of God. So, this shows that we should begin prayer from trust. That trust grows when we think about what a good father does: He provides, He protects, He listens, He teaches, and above all, He loves. This is how Jesus wants us to see God, not as distant but as someone close, generous, and caring.

 

This changes how we see prayer. Prayer is not a transaction or task. It’s a conversation and a relationship. It is not about saying the right words to get what we want, but about entering more deeply into the love of God. The best fruit of prayer is the deepened relationship that forms as we keep turning to the Father in trust. When we say “Our Father,” we don’t say it alone. We say it with Jesus, who always prays with us and in us. We are united to Christ, and through Him, we are made sons and daughters in the Spirit.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us remember that every time we say “Father,” we are standing in love, speaking as His beloved children, and drawing closer to the heart of Jesus!

The new rectory is in its final weeks of completion. We are very excited to move in soon! We would cordially like to invite you to a rectory shower and open house on Saturday, August 16 from 11 am to 1 pm at the new rectory. We have put together an Amazon housewarming gift registry if you would like to purchase any of the items listed. You can have them shipped to the parish or bring them to the rectory open house on August 16. We will be there to receive gifts and give a walkthrough of the new rectory. Refreshments and light pastries will also be provided. Please visit https://stmarychardon.org/new-rectory-project or scan the QR code in today’s bulletin to RSVP and to access the Amazon gift registry. Thank you for your kindness and generosity! We look forward to welcoming you into our new home!

Save the date for the St. Patrick Parish Picnic on Saturday, August 9! We will celebrate the Vigil Mass together at 4 pm and then have a cookout out on the lawn between the church and rectory. Every year the picnic is fun and a blessing for all as we celebrate the gift of our faith and our parish community. I look forward to seeing you there!

 

You are in my prayers. Have a blessed week!

 

In Christ,

Fr. Fabian Han