“Let every one of us be subject to his neighbor, according to the special gift bestowed upon him. Let the strong not despise the weak, and let the weak show respect to the strong. Let the rich man provide for the wants of the poor; and let the poor man bless God, because he has given him one by whom his need may be supplied. Let the wise man display his wisdom, not by mere words, but through good deeds. Let the humble not bear testimony to himself, but leave witness to be borne to him by another. Let him that is pure in the flesh not grow proud of it, and boast, knowing that it was another who bestowed on him the gift of continence.” – Pope St. Clement I
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus presents to us the beautiful image of the vine and the branches; that is, that He is the vine, and we are the branches. We are to bear fruit in the world because we are grafted to this vine, a vine that can never die, and is tended not by an earthly vine-grower, but by his Father. In his letter to the Corinthians, Pope Saint Clement gives us some practical applications of what that image means. Clement refers to the unity of the Church – that we are all in this together, and that we must show due honor, concern, and respect for one another.
How well have we been Church? How well have we loved one another? Let us consider those questions today, and ask God to enlighten our minds and hearts as to how we can better serve Him, and one another, in the days ahead.
Some news and notes…
PRAYERS: Please pray for Mike Griffin and Sandy Lee, who will be married tomorrow. Please also pray for the repose of the soul of Michael Barnes, who was buried this week. Finally, please pray for our second graders, especially those receiving their first holy communion this weekend.
ON MISSION: Some big announcements to be made this weekend. For those of you accustomed to leaving right after Communion – don’t think I don’t see you – you might not want to do that. Especially this week.
ROSARY: Speaking of prayer, the Knights of Columbus will be leading the rosary this Sunday at 9:30. Please stick around after the 8 AM or come early for the 10 and implore our Blessed Mother’s intercession for our parish, our country, and our world.
FIRST COMMUNION: This weekend and next, at the 5 PM and Noon Masses, our second graders will receive Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist for the first time.
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT: The Life in the Spirit Seminar continues this week with Baptism in the Spirit. See the bulletin for more information. The seminar is held on Tuesday night at 7 PM in the church.
FAITH FORMATION: Although classes have ended, there are still a lot of important faith formation activities going on. Please check the bulletin for information regarding 8th grade confirmation classes, the 7th grade retreat, and Vacation Bible School.
RUMMAGE SALE: The annual Rummage Sale is the single largest fundraiser the parish has; so its success is critical. Want to help make it a success? Come to an informational meeting Wednesday, May 2 at 6:30 PM in Room 1 for more details.
BELOVED: LIVING MARRIAGE: See the flier in the bulletin regarding the upcoming Beloved series in the church hall. This series examines the day-to-day challenges of being united as husband and wife while maintaining a healthy individuality. No matter if you’ve been married 1 year or 41 years, this is for you.
And that’s just about all. That’s a lot, to be honest. Read the bulletin, have a great weekend, know that you’re loved, and I’ll see you at Mass!
Peace,
Fr. Mike
Venite prandete 