“This I command you: love one another.” – John 15:17

Sometimes it really is that simple.  If you want to be a good disciple, then be loving to others.  This theme comes up often in John’s Gospel and in his letters, so it’s highly likely that Jesus returned to it often; perhaps we should, too.

There’s a theological profoundness to this statement, too.  If you go all the way back to the days of Abraham, we know that God entered into a covenant with him: “You will be my people, and I will be your God.”  For His part, God made promises to Abraham; Abraham and his descendents, in order to fulfill their half of the covenant, are expected to keep God’s commandments.  Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises in the covenant, and He renews it by His commandment to love one another.  Thus, in loving one another, we demonstrate in a real way that we are keeping God’s commandments and are true members of His flock.

Love one another!

Some news and notes:

PRAYERS:  So many people to pray for this weekend.  Pray for all of our young people who will receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time at the 5:00 and 12:00 Masses this weekend.  Please also pray for Isabel Jean McKenna and Luca James Casavale, who will be baptized this weekend.

ADORATION:  We need coverage for Eucharistic Adoration tonight from 11 PM-midnight.

MAY:  May is Mary’s month.  You’ll notice that we’ve added a temporary Mary altar in the front of the church, which will remain in place for the entire month of May.  Feel free to bring flowers from your garden or from the store to help decorate and honor our Blessed Mother.  Pray to Mary often and ask her intercession.  Pray the Rosary together as a family.  As St. Bernard of Clairvaux famously said, “De Maria numquam satis!”

BELOVED SERIES:  The Beloved series kicks off this Wednesday, May 9^th, at 7 PM in the social hall.  Beloved is a marriage enrichment program that all couples can benefit from, by being spiritually nourished and having a chance to connect with other couples.  See the bulletin for more details.

ASCENSION THURSDAY:  Next Thursday, May 10, is the Feast of the Ascension and is a Holy Day of Obligation.  There will be a vigil Mass Wednesday at 7 PM, and Masses on Thursday will be at 9 AM and 5 PM.  The parish office will be closed that day.

RUMMAGE SALE:  Back by popular demand!  The St. Richard Rummage Sale will be held June 8^th and 9^th; items can be dropped off beginning May 23^rd.  Many volunteers are needed to make this sale another great success.  See the bulletin for more info or call the parish office.

And that’s all the news that’s fit to print.  Or at least, that I can remember to print.  As always, check the bulletin for more information.  This week’s bulletin also contains the letter from Bishop Zubik I read at all Masses last weekend, and more information relative to the On Mission for the Church Alive planning process.  Have a great weekend and know that you are loved!  See you at Mass!

Peace,

Fr. Mike