Dear Friends,
This weekend is known as Good Shepherd Sunday as the Gospel each year speaks to us about Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The image richly offers much for pondering and meditating. Jesus is truly the One who has come in search of us, seeking us out and carrying us gently on His shoulders, in His arms, back to His Father and ours. What greater love is there than laying down one’s life?
How grateful are our hearts to Jesus, who humbly continues to be present for us and with us in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Truly, a prisoner of love in the Tabernacle, He gives us Himself ~ Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity ~ in Holy Communion. Come let us adore Him! Did you see the results of our Lenten Eucharistic Challenge? Over 1,000 visits to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Let’s keep visiting Jesus in these days as well.
As announced last weekend, due to an expressed interest of several of our parishioners we have inaugurated a Sacred Music Fund. In addition to purchasing the “loaner” piano, the funds will help with its ongoing maintenance, the costs associated with procuring copies of music used throughout the year at our Masses and Services, the hope for a sacred music concert series, and eventually replacing the organ. Donations can be made through our E-Giving page or by check or cash. Please identify such donations for the Sacred Music Fund. You may also donate in memory of a loved one. Thank you.
We have instituted the praying of the Perpetual Novena in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on Saturdays, after the 9 AM Mass. This novena has a long history here in our Archdiocese. The Shrine in Germantown has just recently been elevated to a Minor Basilica. Our Lady is so loving and caring for each of us and such a powerful intercessor for our needs.
The design for the medal was given to Saint Catherine Labouré by our Lady herself in 1830. The medal honors our Lady’s Immaculate Conception, but it quickly became known as the Miraculous Medal due to so many miracles, favors, and wonders that were realized. I hope you are able to join in this novena either in person or at home. The novena prayer pamphlets are available at the Church doors, please take one for yourself.
Next Saturday, 139 of our young disciples will be receiving their First Holy Communion. There are two Masses to accommodate the class. The children participated in a short retreat program this past week. They are very excited. What a most beautiful moment in their young lives, in the lives of their families, and in the life of our parish family. Be sure to pray for them as they prepare this week for this awesome event.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
