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“God wants us to know that life is a series of beginnings, not endings. Just as graduations are not terminations, but commencements. Creation is an ongoing process, and when we create a perfect world where love and compassion are shared by all, suffering will cease.” (Bernie Siegel) In the coming days, high school seniors will finish whatever classwork remains, receive their cap and gown, attend their baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies, and finalize plans for summer. (Which, by the way, is one of the most memorable summers.) Congratulations to our graduates who are part of our three churches, St. John, St. Malachy and Sacred Heart. Thank you for your Catholic faith and presence shared within our parishes; may such faith guide your future decisions and relationships. May the Eucharist give you the strength and compassion to take your Christian faith and values into your future endeavors without apology or need to justify who you are as a Catholic adult. In a world where aggressive and self-assertive behavior seems to be a means to achieve your goals or position in life, humility is the character that establishes trust, sincerity and understanding before others. As such Mother Teresa’s litany of Christian humility provides a guide for our goals and decisions.
Speak as little as possible about yourself.
Keep busy with your own affairs and not those of others.
Avoid curiosity (she is referring to wanting to know things that should not concern you.)
Do not interfere in the affairs of others.
Accept small irritations with good humor.
Do not dwell on the faults of others.
Accept censures even if unmerited.
Give in to the will of others.
Accept insults and injuries
Accept contempt, being forgotten and disregarded.
Be courteous and delicate even when provoked by someone.
Do not seek to be admired and loved.
Do not protect yourself behind your own dignity.
Give in, in discussions, even when you are right.
Choose always the more difficult task.
Taking your Catholic-Christian faith on this journey before you—with your hopes and dreams, abilities and strengths, concerns and doubts—remember the gift of your humanity framed within the unconditional love of our Creator: “Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” (Pope John XXIII). Blessings on your approaching graduation, the summer of opportunity, and path forward you intend to seek.
Just a note concerning the approaching church step project. Beginning this weekend and for the next four to five weeks the south doors of Sacred Heart church will be closed and locked through the duration of the restoration of the steps. I’m sorry for the inconvenience at this time, but please be patient. Once completed the new steps will be safe, easier to maintain and reflect the dignity of our Catholic faith. Thank you to those who have submitted well intentioned names for our parish when the three churches come together. Of the names submitted, six or seven will chosen. Parishioners will be asked to vote for one of the names with the short list of three sent on to the Bishop. Thank you for your suggestions based on your Catholic experience.
God Bless, Fr. Tim
“Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing that is something, wearing stripes with plaid comes easy.” Albert Einstein
