Many parishioners commented on the beauty and simplicity of the May crowning at Masses last weekend. Sincere thanks to Vivien Retano, Louise DiCarlo, Fran Mesagno and Jane Aumann for accepting the invitation to crown the statue of the Blessed Mother. The statue will remain in the sanctuary for the month of May. Feel free to bring flowers to the feet of the statue as we ask Our Lady to intercede for us. After the 11:15 Mass the family and friends of Vince Aumann gathered at the church sign to dedicate the area under the sign as a memorial garden. Vince was a faithful son of the church and an active member of our parish who loved to garden and so it was fitting that such a space be dedicated to him. We also had 2 beautiful celebrations of First Holy Communion these past two Saturdays. I encourage the first communicants, especially during this month when we will also celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi (the Body and Blood of Christ), to wear their communion attire to Mass.

Thank you to all who donated blood last Sunday. Your gift will be a life saving remedy for someone in need. The 7th grade from our school along with Mrs. Unterkofler and Mrs. Wendt worked hard to solicit donations and should be very proud of their achievements. Twenty-eight pints were collected. We will have another blood drive in the near future to give others a chance to donate.

It is beautiful that the Feast of Pentecost coincides with the celebration of Mother’s Day this year. I want to thank the godly women of our church for the faithful and loving witness you give your children from day-to-day. Thank you for bringing your sons/daughters to the house of the Lord so that they might be adopted into God’s family through Holy Baptism. Thank you for placing the Word of God into their hands and hearts. Thank you for bringing them to know God’s abundant mercy and love. Thank you for bringing them to be formed in the truth of Christ. Thank you for bringing them to receive the bread of Heaven who offers us life which this world cannot give. Thank you for teaching them to hope and to dream and to live out their dignity as children of God. Thank you for teaching them to respect and cherish not just their own lives but the lives of others. Thank you for singing hymns and songs to them as you rock them to sleep at night. Thank you for having the mind of Christ in yourself and humbling yourself in service to your children. Thank you for teaching them to pray by being a person of prayer yourself. Thank you for molding your children into ‘other Christ’s’ by modeling his love and forgiveness in your life. Yes, Solomon’s words are true of you women . . . you mothers of faith . . ., ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ (Proverbs 31:29) Happy Mother’s Day.

Peace,

Fr. Richard