Happiness

My dear friends in Christ,

We all want to be happy. It’s in our nature. We have different understandings of what constitutes happiness and different ways of seeking that happiness. As we read The Beatitudes in today’s Gospel from Matthew, Jesus explains to us the real source of happiness; happiness that knows no disappointment. He shows us that our attitudes and actions must be measured by their eternal consequences. We are all called to share in the building up of God’s kingdom here on earth. A positive attitude is essential for the effort necessary. A negative attitude can only destroy what discipleship, evangelization, and service is meant to be about. Our Parish Welcoming Committee will be hard at work on the weekends with their presence before and after Mass at the entrance doors greeting and ready to answer any questions you might have about our parish. Please be sure to ask them for a brochure which outlines all the ministries in the parish. We welcome your participation. The music director is always looking for new voices for the choir. I have heard some of you sing from where I sit and it would be so nice if you could give some of your time and talent to praising the Lord in song!

Finally, the decisions made pursuant to the recommendations of the Diocesan Planning Commission from Phase One (planning) of the Faith in Our Future initiative have been made and published. We will enter into a Collaborative Model with the other parishes in our Cohort. This is “happy” news for our parish. Please continue to pray for our parish and for me as your pastor and I will return the favor!

May God bless you all!
Fr. John