Pastor's Corner - for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 4, 2008

This weekend Archbishop Mansell will be here to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Over 60 of our parishioners will complete their Christian Initiation in the Church by celebrating Confirmation.

These young people are an important part of our Church community. Please pray for them. The gift of the Holy Spirit that comes to them in a special way in Confirmation is to lead them into a meaningful way of living a good Christian life. These young people have studied and discussed our Catholic faith. They have done many hours of service projects and have been on retreat. They have chosen a sponsor who is an active Catholic and chosen a Confirmation name of a saint who has meaning for them.

We as a community of faith ask that the Spirit be strong in their hearts and in their lives. We pray that the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit mark their lives deeply and well. These gifts: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Wonder and Awe, are hallmarks of a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ. May our Confirmation candidates know well these gifts and use them often in their lives. May we, too, as more seasoned Catholics and followers of Christ live these gifts in our lives always.

Last weekend we were pleased to welcome Archbishop Mansell for our parish celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.  What a wonderful event for our young women and men. Continue to keep them in your prayers.

This weekend our young second graders will be celebrating First Communion. The Eucharist is so important to us as Catholics. We celebrate the Eucharist each week together. These young people received the Eucharist for the first time this weekend. It is a great day for them and for their families. It is a great day for us as a parish. The Eucharist binds us together and nourishes us as the People of God. The Eucharist supports us for the journey of life. We pray for our young people. May they receive the Eucharist with open hearts this weekend and always.

May we not forget our mothers this Mother’s Day weekend. Mothers who give us life and nurture us through life have a special bond with their children. May we honor our mothers today and everyday. May we pray for them with grateful hearts.