Search
-
June 3, 2024We now settle into Ordinary time. In my parish as a transitional deacon (way back when), there was a priest who said all the time, “In the light of Jesus Christ, there is no ordinary time.” I agree with this statement. However, we call it that, not because of a lack of extraordinariness, but rather because it is a period that is neither Advent, Christmas, Lent, or Easter times. The church invites us to use this time to grow and develop in our faith and understanding of what we believe. She also invites us to continue to reflect upon the great truths of our faith and particularly this great truth, the power of the Holy Spirit and its effects in our lives.
As I have mentioned previously, a few years ago we became part of a worldwide movement called Divine Renovation. Its mission is to renew the church by concentrating on three things: the primacy of evangelization, the development of leadership using best principles and practices, and most importantly relying on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I would say that these three things, along with being a Eucharist-centered parish, have contributed the most to the growth and changes we have seen in our parish. I am always amazed at how generous the Holy Spirit is in giving, guiding, and finding ways to influence all who come to us. Cooperating with the Holy Spirit has brought us many people and helped us enormously to grow as an evangelizing and healing parish.
This week’s Gospel reminds us that we are never to doubt or deny the great work of the Holy Spirit in its capacity for truth, to bring wisdom, and all the gifts that help us to bear fruit. It is a grave sin to say that God will not forgive us or that he cannot do all things. This then is our ordinary work: to develop all that the Holy Spirit is bringing to us.
Father Jose Pimentel, OP is a retired Dominican Friar who is joining us for the month of June. He will cover the funerals and masses during the weeks I am away. Father was born in Portugal and moved here when he was very young. He is a veteran of the Air Force and is now retired and living in Coronado, California. Welcome Father Jose.
New event! Watch the bulletin and the website for a team that is sponsoring the Open Doors project at St. James. Thanks to Peter Gordon and the Evangelization team for taking on this project.
Emmaus Retreat for grieving parents. Last week we had a day-long retreat for those parents who have lost a child under any circumstances. It was a difficult but holy day, as we entered into prayer and reflection. Thanks to Christine Williams and the healing team who were the sponsors. Thanks also to the hosting team and the kitchen team who provided meals. May God bless and watch over grieving parents. One piece of feedback from the retreat was that it felt like the Holy Spirit was here all day. It was the longest the person had ever felt that.
Maeve Harrington, who is our bulletin editor, is stepping away from that ministry. We thank her for her efforts and wish her well as she continues her journey. Thanks again Maeve and God bless you.
Catholic Appeal. Currently, we are at $43,177.00, which is 86% of our 50,200.00 goal. Thanks to all who have contributed. The Appeal office will be following up with a letter this month to get us to the goal.
Prayer Project. We have been getting good feedback and lots of people who are helping to pray for every home and building in Salem. The maps are at the back of the church. If you have completed a street, feel free to fill it in with the markers on the maps.
Building News. We continue to get updates from the Masonry company. They are now thinking that the project will be done by the end of June. The problem has been the rain, which they cannot control. It holds up the project for the shaping and restoring of the arches.
