Dear Parish Family,

Our readings this week focus on responding to God's voice. Moses tells the people, "If only you would heed the voice of the Lord your God and keep His commandments…For this command is not too mysterious or remote for you…It is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts. You have only to carry it out." The Psalm response echoes this injunction to heed God's voice by reminding us that the Word of God is Spirit and life. This Word is alive in our hearts through Christ who, as St. Paul says to the Colossians, "is the head of the Body, the Church." In the Gospel, Jesus gives a very practical example of hearing and responding to God's Word through the Good Samaritan's act of justice and mercy to his neighbor on the roadside.

 

When we listen to God's voice, the Holy Spirit comes alive in our hearts. His gifts bear fruit through our daily engagements with those around us. We don't have to go searching far and wide to respond to God's voice. I promise you that if you simply respond to God with eagerness and joy in your daily responsibilities and to the people around you, you will be a phenomenal disciple and evangelist for Jesus! This is all part of hearing God's voice through our daily interactions. It's true that sometimes God has a special call or vocation where we need to get up and go do something unfamiliar, or respond to a crisis, but our ability and willingness to do these great endeavors will be so much easier if we are accustomed to readily responding to God in the small things.

 

As we move deeper into Summer, remember to take time to pray and listen to the voice of the Lord. Ask Him how He is calling you to serve. When we listen to His voice, we are rooted in our baptismal identity in Christ and have a clearer sense of purpose and commitment for the good we are called to do. Discerning God's voice in the midst of noise and other contrary voices is crucial for every one of us. If we cannot hear God, we do not really know ourselves or His great plan for our lives. Spend time in silence every day, come to daily Mass when you are able and to Sunday Mass on time, go to Adoration weekly, read the daily or Sunday Scriptures throughout the week to better prepare to reflect on them at Mass, pray the rosary or chaplet on your walks or while you drive, attend to your daily responsibilities and people close to you, and spend time with people who share our Christian values in the faith, hope, peace, and love of Christ!

 

This weekend we welcome Brother Raymond Papenfuss from the Brothers of Holy Cross for our annual Mission Appeal. Please see information in today's bulletin about the mission and be generous to Brother Raymond and his mission as you hear him speak at this weekend's Masses.

 

Thank you to all who submitted a nomination form or application for Parish Council, Finance Council and the School Advisory Council! I am most grateful for the interest our parishioners have in being involved in leadership roles at the parish. These councils and committees help to make our parish and school vibrant communities of faith! I myself or our nomination committees will be in touch with those who applied for next steps. Even if all the roles we need this year are filled, I have my list of individuals who applied for consideration for future years. Rotating membership of the councils helps keep these advisory and planning bodies dynamic and open to new people. 

 

I am yours in Christ,

Fr. Scott Goodfellow