From the Pastor's Desk (5/3/26)

From the Pastor's Desk
5/3/26

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled
Short-term goodbyes are usually not given much thought – a husband and wife kiss each other before leaving for work and hug the children as they catch the school bus in the morning. Most long-term goodbyes are difficult, especially when those parting company love each other deeply. Long-term goodbyes often leave us sad; yet homecomings bring joy to our hearts. It is no surprise to us, then, to hear in this Sunday’s Gospel (Jn 14:1-12) the worry and confusion of the disciples. Jesus is talking to them about leaving, and although he promises to return and take them to himself, these are hardly comforting words for them to hear. They probably do not even hear them. What they hear is that Jesus is leaving. They are lost. They do not “know the way.” At the same time, Jesus’ words in this gospel from the Last Supper discourse are reassuring ones: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” These disciples cannot at this point understand that Jesus’ goodbye is not permanent; he is not abandoning them. They have not yet come to understand what it means for Jesus to rise from the dead. But we have taken this leap. We are an Easter people. We have received the Holy Spirit who empower us to know the Lord, through him to know the Father, and to do the works of Jesus. Believing this mitigates all troubles, all anxiety. Believing this helps us know the way to Jesus and to the Father. The gospel is challenging us to enter into a deep and profound relationship with the Risen Lord, which ultimately means we share a profound relationship with the Father as well, through their Spirit of love. (Living Liturgy, Liturgical Press)
 
Faith Questions to Ponder

1. Jesus says he is “the way and the truth and the life.” Which of these three descriptors of Jesus do you feel is most helpful for you right now?
2. Jesus tells the disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Do you find this instruction encouraging or do you, like the Apostles, find it challenging? What fears or concerns are you brining to Jesus this week?

 
Congratulations and Blessings!
I want to offer special congratulations to our second-grade students who made their First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 2. Special thanks to Deanna Stacho, our catechists, aides, and families who have accompanied our students in preparation for this special moment in their faith journey. 
 
May: The Month Dedicated to Mary
In his 1965 Encyclical, Mense Maio (Month of May), Saint Pope Paul VI wrote, “May is the month which the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady. During this month, both in church and in the privacy of the home, Christians offer up to Mary their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration.” The custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary arose at the end of the 13^th century. The pious practice of honoring Mary during the month of May has been especially recommended by the Popes of the 20^th century: Pius XII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Perhaps you might like to spend some time reading about the Blessed Mother during this month dedicated to her? Here are a few suggestions: True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort; The Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus Liguori; The World’s First Love by Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen; and Under the Mantle by Fr. Donald Calloway.
 
St. John Bosco’s Prayer to Mary, Help of Christians
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come to your feet imploring your perpetual help. If earthly mothers cease not to remember their children, how can you, the most loving of all mothers forget me? Grant then to me, I implore you, your perpetual help in all my necessities, in every sorrow, and especially in all my temptations. I ask for your unceasing help for all who are now suffering. Help the weak, cure the sick, convert sinners. Grant through your intercessions many vocations to the religious life. Obtain for us, O Mary, Help of Christians, that having invoked you on earth we may love and eternally thank you in heaven. Amen. 
 
Last Call for Saint Michael Hymnals
If you donated a Saint Michael Hymnal in memory of a loved one and would like to obtain it, please call the Parish Office. Simply provide us with the church in which it was placed and the name of your loved one. The deadline to request your hymnal will be Friday, May 22.
 
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Attention all MQSP Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: your Parish Clergy will be hosting three mini-retreat gatherings for all parishioners currently participating in this ministry. These gatherings (two evenings and one Saturday afternoon) will be 1.5 hours and will include prayer and a brief retraining. Attendance at ONE of these gatherings is mandatory. Dates will be announced next week.
 
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, a Holy Day of Obligation, is Thursday, May 14. Masses will be celebrated at 4 PM (OLF) and 6 PM (SFC) for the Vigil on Wednesday, May 13, and 7 AM (ST), 8:30 AM (OLF), 12:10 PM (SFC) and 6:30 PM (SJB) on the day of the solemnity. The Parish Office will be closed on the Holy Day.