Dear Parishioners:
Despite the rain showers and cool temperatures last week, we had a beautiful celebration of First Holy Communion and May Crowning. The children were so well prepared and did a terrific job. We congratulate them and look forward to seeing them come forward for Communion each and every Sunday!
This weekend we warmly welcome Hiep Nguyen, our Summer Seminarian who arrived this week for his assignment. Hiep is to live and work with Fr. Barrow and me for ten weeks. He is to assist at Masses, visit the homebound, help with OLM Outreach, visit the classes at OLM School, and learn more about rectory and parish life. Sogive him a warm welcome when you see him around the parish or in town!
This Thursday is the Solemnity of the Ascension, a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics. We celebrate it with a 5:00PM Vigil Mass on Wednesday and three Masses on the Holyday itself: 7:30am, 9:00am and 7:00pm. This schedule provides ample opportunity to get to Mass and fulfill your obligation.
In the Creed we proclaimthat Our Lord “ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” Thus the Ascension celebrates the elevation of Christ into Heaven by His own power in the presence of His disciples forty day after His Resurrection. By ascending from earth to Heaven, Christ did not just open a way for us to follow as best we can. Rather, He is the way. Christ promised his disciples: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”
Christ does this by interceding for us to the Father resulting in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of Heaven once and for all, intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.”
In special way on this Ascension Thursday we honor Grandparents with a special“Grandparent’s Day” at OLM School. There are over 200 grandparents expected to visit with us this Thursday. The day begins with the 9:00am School Holyday Mass followed by a grand reception for all the grandparents and then they make classroom visits. It is always a great day for our school children and their beloved grandparents.
Last year Pope Francis was speaking to Catholic School children and their families. He began to discuss the role of grandparents in the lives of grandchildren. He said: “I would like to give you a task: speak to your grandparents and ask them questions, they have the memory of history, the experience ofliving, and this is a great gift for you that will help you in your life journey.” The Holy Father also pointed out thatgrandparents themselves needed “to listen to you children to understand your aspirations and your hopes.” Good advice from a “Spiritual Grandpa”!
Please join us this Monday at 7:00pm for May Devotions in honor of Our Lady of Providence. Fr. Chris Murphy, the Vocation Director at Our Lady of Providence Seminary and Chaplain at Bishop Hendricken High School, is to lead us in devotion to Our Lady. Our Lady of Providence is the patroness of our Diocese and we seek her intercession for an increase of priestly vocations.
The title of "Mary, Mother of Divine Providence" is often traced to her intervention at the Wedding Feast at Cana. Jesus’ first public miracle was due in part to the intercession of his mother. She helped through her foresight and concern to avoid an embarrassing situation for the newlywed couple. May she intercede for our intentions on Monday night.
Next Sunday we celebrate the final 5:00PM Sunday Evening Mass of the season. During the months of June, July and August this Mass time “goes on vacation” along with many of our parishioners! It returns the first Sunday of September. If you are looking for a Sunday evening Mass during the summer months, you might look to the beach parishes!
The month of May is quickly coming to an end. The month of June is a busy time at OLM with 8th Grade Graduation, Vacation Bible Camp and the priestly ordination of OLM Native Son, Deacon Brain Morris, on Saturday, June 3rd. Be well. Do good. God Bless. Our Lady of Providence, pray for us!