Good Shepherd Sunday

My dear Friends in Christ,

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday. This day was designated in 1964 as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life. Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, invited all the faithful to “cultivate an intimate relationship with Christ, Master and Pastor of His people, imitating Mary who guarded the divine mysteries in her heart and contemplated them assiduously.” The Church’s sanctity depends essentially on her union with Christ and her openness to the mystery of grace at work in the hearts of all members of His flock.

Happy Mother’s Day!!! Did you know that Mother’s Day in the United States was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (also the author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic). Ana Jarvis from Philadelphia picked up the cause upon Howe’s death because she was inspired by her own Mother in caring for soldiers and their families during the Civil War. She campaigned for a national day of recognition for Mothers and on May 2, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made the official announcement proclaiming Mother’s Day a national holiday.

Our 2022 weekly gift summary for the Annual Catholic Appeal is $23,460, 47% of our $50,000 goal. Thanks to all who have made a pledge and sent it in. Pledge Cards are available in the Sacristy if you would like to contribute. Please help us make our goal so that we may receive a nice rebate from the Diocese. Thank you.

May God bless you all,

Father John