Dear Parishioners:
Ordination Mass on June 5, 2021.
Last Saturday, Bishop Tobin ordained two men to the priesthood, Fr. Dan Mahoney and Fr. Doan Nguyen. It was a beautiful and solemn Mass of Ordination and indeed a joyous and hopeful occasion for our Church. Fr. Mahoney served at OLM as a Summer Seminarian just a couple of years ago. Bishop Tobin has assigned the newly ordained Fr. Mahoney as the new Associate Pastor at OLM. In your name, I thank Bishop Tobin for sending Fr. Mahoney to us. We are truly grateful for the presence and ministry of another priest at OLM. Fr. Mahoney begins his priestly ministry at OLM on the First of July.
Meanwhile, Fr. Barrow is busy finishing up many projects, getting things ready for Fr. Mahoney, and packing up his belongings. He is very excited about becoming the Pastor of St. Teresa Church and School in Pawtucket. I know he will be a dutiful shepherd who lovingly and faithfully serves his flock.
Next weekend is to be Fr. Barrow's final weekend at OLM! It is always a bittersweet moment when we have to say "Farewell" to a friend. Father has been an exceptional Associate Pastor for our parish. I am grateful for his zeal for priestly ministry and also his fraternal support and friendship these past five years. We are appreciative of his many gifts especially his technological genius that has been a tremendous service to our parish and school as our resident "Tech Wizard!"
We have a chance to offer personal and fond "Farewell" and sincere thanks to Fr. Barrow next weekend. There is a Wine and Cheese Reception in Mercy Park following the 5:00 pm Mass next Saturday night. Also on Sunday, there is a Coffee'an in Mercy Park after the 10:30 am Mass. It's Father's Day next Sunday. It is a perfect day to remember and honor all Fathers for their love and support, including such an outstanding Spiritual Father as Fr. Barrow! So mark your calendars.
We celebrate with our 8th Grade from OLM School, who are graduating this weekend. They join us at the 10:30 am Mass as we pray for them as they leave our excellent parish school for high school. Following the Mass, the 8th Grade Class and their families gather for a Graduation Luncheon to recognize their academic achievements. On Monday, June 14 at 6:00 pm, the 8th Grade graduate from OLM School at a 6:00 pm ceremony in our Church. Many of these students have been in our school for eight to nine years. When I arrived at OLM, they were in Kindergarten! The time flies, but it has been a fruitful time for these students who are well prepared.
At OLM School, they received a first-class Catholic Education from our outstanding faculty. They are correctly formed in the Catholic Faith, instructed in the teachings of Christ, and instilled with the values of Western Civilization and know the priority of virtuous living. We commend them to Our Lady of Mercy for her continued guidance and protection.
As we acknowledge the OLM Class of 2021, we also offer prayers for all those OLM Parishioners graduating high school, college, and graduate school this year. May they use their gifts and talents for the building up of the Kingdom of God. June is graduation season but also the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We honor Christ's loving and humble heart that calls us to faith, humility, and love. We pray:
"O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure, and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen."
I thank the parishioners who have donated to the Catholic Charity Appeal thus far. We are above last year's amount raised and also the number of parishioners donating. However, we are $40,000 shy of reaching our goal of $190,000. Many other parishes report going over goal this year, so I am hopeful OLM can do the same. Please make your pledge or donation today! Be well. Stay safe. Do good. God bless. Prayerful best wishes to the Class of 2021!