Weekend Masses

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, A few weeks ago I got a request from the daughter of friends of mine. Would I please say a Mass in her sister’s house? I asked what the occasion is. She told me her parents were too frail to be able to go to their youngest grandchild’s first communion and they would like to see her receive. We picked a day when it was possible. It was a simple affair the young child and her parent’s and her sister, the grandparents an aunt and a few friends of the child. Before the Mass the grandparents talked of their own memories, of their siblings and their kids first communion, of the May crowning and other religious celebrations and how their faith had been enriched and strengthened by the example they received from others. As part of the Mass the mother of the child had placed a small statue of Our Lady in the bay window. During Mass we had our own May crowning and I saw tears in the Grandparents eyes. It struck me afterwards that this was what being a witness to Christ is about. We all dream of doing great things but it is in the simple kindnesses and the simple expressions of faith, that the faith is handed on from generation to generation. It is in the answer to the question why do you do this that people are brought to RCIA and become Christians. As we celebrate our May crowning on Pentecost Day, may the Sprit encourage us all to lead by example and be witnesses to the Christ who has died, is risen and truly will come again. May our Journey of Faith be one of example, kindness and Faith. “By this shall all know that you are my disciples. Love one another.” Pray for me as I pray for you, Fr Karl  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On Friday 29th of April we had our first dinner dance. It was fun standing in the entrance area of the Golf club, watching people coming in. Some were very recognizable and others were so spruced up that I had to take a second look. Thanks to our committee everything ran smoothly and without a hitch. I could never have anticipated the success of the event. People had fun. People who had sat behind or in front of each other in church found themselves getting to know each other and learning names for the first time. Visitors from Chicago showed their dancing skills and mixed with the locals and enjoyed the event. The food and music were excellent and successful raffles were held. All of you were involved in different ways. Your generosity in buying raffle tickets and supplying gifts for the various raffles gave many of the attendees a lot of fun and send people home very happy. The hard work of the committee was the key to the night’s success. The people from the parish and beyond who attended the dance made it a spectacular and enjoyable event. To all who were involved my sincere thanks for all you efforts. There will be an insert in the bulletin with the list of the winners and the amounts of money that we raised. Today in this part of the world is celebrated as Mother’s Day. We give thanks for our mothers, for the sacrifices they make and have made to help bring their children up as good citizens. We remember them in our payers and Masses and say Thank you! Let our Journey continue in faith and love. Pray for me as I pray for you, Fr Karl