Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
Mt 28:19
I am with you always, until the end of the world.
This weekend we celebrate Ascension Sunday. We come together, waiting like the apostles, for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Together, as a parish family, we persevere in prayer. We expect God to act in our hearts, in our lives, in our parishes! Come Holy Spirit.
Prayer is the foundation of our Faith and the foundation of Stewardship. Prayer is always the first best option in any situation – not just our last resort. Pray for friends and family, and especially for those that don’t treat you very well. Pray to give praise, to thank, and to ask God for help. Pray to see what God wants you to do with the gifts He has given you. Teach others how to pray. It has been said that teaching someone how to pray is the best gift you can give someone.
I write you today with great hope for our four parish communities. Our Parish Renewal Committee members’ mandate is to advance the mission of our parish family, as we grow in our parish identity. We have gathered all year and prayed on the different town hall meetings, including the last two recap sessions from May 10, and 18. The conversation continues, and we look forward in sharing more on our journey together very soon. Please read the following which will be shared with everyone at our weekend’s Masses. Let us pray together as we journey forward.
Sunday Announcement, May 21 2023:
(will update after the announcement has been read)
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, you speak to us today,
as you spoke to holy men and women
who have gone before us.
In every age and in our own time,
you call to us and say: Renew My Church.
Pour out the gift of your Holy Spirit upon us,
and so enable us
to hear you clearly
to listen to each other attentively
to imagine our future boldly
to discern your direction wisely
to persevere in your holy will courageously
to stay together in charity
to surrender our own plans readily
to embrace the greater good
to hand on your gifts to future generations.
May we remain in the holy company of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, the apostles, and all the saints.
May their example and presence
inspire us with patient confidence
in the work of your grace.
We ask this of you who live and reign
with the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
forever and ever.
Amen.
