As we will be reaching the middle of August this coming week, I started to think about the Jubilee Year that we are in and how quickly this year seems to be going by. Even though Pope Francis called and opened this Jubilee Year in late December of 2024, Pope Leo continues to lead us through this Jubilee of 2025, reminding us that we are Pilgrims of Hope. Just a few weeks ago, Pope Leo welcomed many young pilgrims to Rome. I think back and remember the great youth gatherings during the time of St. John Paul II and how that inspired a generation of youth to be involved in the Church. This is what a Jubilee year is truly about: a renewal and recommitment to faith (and not just the young). May all of us continue to be renewed in the remaining months of this calendar year 2025 so that we can grow in our journey of faith.
This coming Friday, August 15th, is a Holy Day of Obligation. It is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Just as Our Lady was born without sin, corruption would not touch her body at the time of her death. Instead, our Lord called her into Heaven to be at His side. She is a great intercessor for us, not only on the daily, but in our time of need. She is one who can welcome us to the doors of Heaven. Especially when I am praying the Rosary with a family at the time of a loved one's wake service, I like to use the Glorious Mysteries. I always find great comfort when I come to this particular mystery: Her Assumption into Heaven. She is always guiding us there and encouraging us in our life of faith. As we celebrate the Assumption, please join us either for the Vigil Mass on Thursday evening or one of the Masses on Friday, the 15th. It is a great way to honor our Lady and to see how the promise of Heaven is true. Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us!
Just another reminder that our faith formation classes and other classes and activities will be starting just a few weeks from now. If you haven’t registered for these opportunities to grow in faith, this is a good time to do so. Also, if you, or someone that you know is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or becoming Catholic, please contact George in our main office to join our fall class of OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults).