One of the promises of Jesus is something we hear in Today’s Gospel. It is the promise of the Advocate, or the Holy Spirit. The title has its roots in the Latin words “vocare ad” to call towards. The implication is that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate will call us and will come toward us. It is another way that Jesus was reassuring the people of his presence in the post resurrection experience. We have the same advocate whom we also call the Holy Spirit.
Priests and active parishioners across New England want to see their parishes come alive. The problem is that changing the way we “do church” can be intimidating, especially without having seen relevant examples of parishes doing things differently.
Here at Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish, we are a “Divine Renovation” Parish. In 2017, we joined an international network of parishes committed to renewal in the Church. This renewal is based on the book Divine Renovation by Father James Mallon and the model that he developed as pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The goal is to move from “Maintenance to Mission.” While we continue to maintain and care for the flock, we must be outward-focused, invitational, welcoming, and bringing others to Jesus.
Happy Easter! Feliz Pascua! This day we gather as a community to glorify God and give him thanks and praise for what he has done for us in Jesus Christ. This Sunday, we are gathering in St. James Church to allow all those who want to come to have space for parking and a bench. Last night we celebrated the Easter Vigil and welcomed three new members to our faith and parish.
This Sunday begins the holiest week in the life of the church. We have been preparing for this time to celebrate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, our savior and brother. The week calls us to remember what has been done for us by a God who loves us beyond all telling.
Congrats to Cindy, Janice, Anna, Gail, Bonnie, and Denice for making their Consecration to Jesus through Mary today on this feast of the Assumption! Part of a small group led by Kathleen Galvin, Marian Consecration is a beautiful tradition in the Catholic faith of surrendering your talents to Our Mother all for the glory of Christ.
Today’s story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John is one of the greatest stories of the New Testament. It reminds us that Jesus is the one who is the champion of life and whenever He confronts death, death is overcome by the power of God. This Gospel more than any other reveals the heart of Jesus and what he wants for all of us.
As the Third Sunday of Lent come upon us, it is a good time to check where we are in our Lenten journey. Last week, we had the transfiguration of Jesus. It is a reminder that the work of God is from the inside out and if we let it, can change our appearance too. It reminds me of a comedian from Ireland, Tommy Tiernan. In commenting about priests, he said that he thinks that “priests should show the effect of their decision on their face”. It is part of a ribald reflection on preaching and priests. (You can look at it, but it is a little salty. Be warned.)