This weekend we take a step out of Ordinary Time and detour to the Exaltation of the Cross. This weekend we read the story of the serpents in the desert biting the Israelites in the book of Numbers. This bite is the sting of sin, and the only remedy is the Cross of Jesus Christ. The Gospel recalls this story from Numbers. The gift of the Cross is our salvation from the sting of sin. Let us look upon the cross and see the remedy we need. Let us embrace our crosses and unite them to Jesus and His Cross.
In the next few weeks we will begin a new initiative for praying for vocations. Every weekend during the announcements we will pass out a chalice that anyone in the parish can volunteer to take home. You will pray every day that week for vocations for our Church, to the priesthood and religious life specifically. If you can, include the hope of vocations from our parish to the priesthood and religious life. Pray with your family and friends throughout the week and see the gift of these vocations. Then bring the chalice back and whatever Mass the chalice returns will be the Mass we ask someone to take the chalice home.
Let us be a vocation-promoting parish!
Lastly, please pray for me and Father Ken as we attend our annual priests meeting this week. As stated in the bulletin, there will be no Masses Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. There also will be no confessions or adoration on Wednesday. There will be a communion service on Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Pax et bonum,
Fr. Arisman