August 30, 2020: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.“
Matthew 16:24b-25
Pastor’s Message
Today, we celebrate the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Peter, who had just boldly proclaimed his faith, quickly forgets it and stumbles to his own will. He sees that the Lord is in danger and thinks it is his role to protect The God of the universe. He does not see Jesus’ will and plan, and desires to protect the Lord from His willful destiny. Peter, the stone is now Peter, the stumbling block. Christ calls us to take up the cross and deny ourselves; this is extreme discipleship, a call that is to cancel out our will so we can submit to His. When we confess Christ as our Savior, it means He is our Lord. We are to surrender to His direction, call, and purpose. When we claim to be His, we need to commit and follow, leaving behind all that hinders and causes us to go astray. This goes against our will and our culture that says, you are number one, and you deserve whatever you want. But, usually what we want is not what is best. Yes, we deserve better; and better is to be in Christ and to follow His ways.
Registration for our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) are being taken by Sister Sophie after all Masses in the Lower Church or call the rectory for an appointment.
We are anticipating Confirmation in the Fall of 2021. All students in Level 6 PREP or grades 6 & 7 in St. Helena-Incarnation School must register for Confirmation. Registrations are being taken by Sister Sophie after all Masses in the Lower Church or call the rectory for an appointment. Preparation Classes for Confirmation will start in October.
Finally, please keep Saturday, September 12th, Sunday, September 13th and Monday, September 14th open for our Annual 40 Hours and Parish Feast. Please think about signing up for a time for adoration on the chart in the gathering space next to the Adoration sign. See page 3 of the bulletin for more information.
Thanks for reading, stay healthy, reach out to those close to you and last but not least have a good week.
Your Brother and Shepherd,
Rev. Msgr. Joseph Trinh