My dear friends in Christ,
On this Good Shepherd Sunday, our Scripture Readings provide us with comforting assurance of God’s solace in the challenging moments of our lives. It may be a sudden illness, a terminal cancer diagnosis, a child who suffers from drug addiction, a difficult co-worker, or death of a loved one or friend. In our daily encounter, sometimes turbulence knocks us off balance. The Good Shepherd offers us patience and tranquility.
We should also recognize that today is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. We pray that the Holy Spirit will enliven the hearts of those called to Ordained Ministry and Religious Life. May the Good Shepherd invigorate more hearts to serve with holiness and integrity.
Our weekly collections are trending downward lately and it’s reflected in the collections report on this page. Our Easter collection will not reach what it was last year. We are also lagging behind in our Annual Catholic Appeal goal. The question I get most is, “I give to my parish, why should I give to the ACA?” Support of our parish is very important. It is also important to support the Diocese of Trenton for programs that support services for the poor, food for the hungry, and education for children in the faith. Your checks can be made to ACA: Diocese of Trenton, PO Box 70170, Newark, NJ 07101.
And, finally, please be sure to see the adjacent notice regarding the upcoming change in Mass Schedule beginning in July.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
May God bless you all!
Father John