Posted on September 15, 2023 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear parishioners:
Today, in the Gospel, Peter consults Jesus on a very specific topic: he asks about the limit of forgiveness. The answer is that there is no such limit: “I do not tell you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22). Forgiveness is a gift, a grace that comes from the love and mercy of God. For Jesus, forgiveness has no limits, as long as repentance is sincere and truthful. But it requires opening the heart to conversion, that is, acting with others according to God’s criteria. Grave sin separates us from God (CIC 1470). The ordinary vehicle for receiving forgiveness of that serious sin from God is the sacrament of Penance, and the act of the penitent that crowns it is satisfaction. Our works that express satisfaction are the sign of personal commitment to begin a new existence, repairing as much as possible the damage caused to others. We must strive to forgive although sometimes this means suffering and bleeding, but that gives us the strength to grow in holiness.
Like every week I’ll mention some topics that interest our community life. First of all, I want to share with everyone that last Sunday we welcomed the children of our religious education program who, as vineyard workers, came to begin a path of formation where little by little they will get to know Jesus. I was glad to see them, all with the intention of learning. At the same time I want to thank the catechists and volunteers for their love for this ministry, and for their commitment to helping children and young people. I reiterate my support for you. For me, catechesis are the heart of the parish, because future Christians are being formed there. Also this Sunday the 17th, the catechists will make their public profession of faith, receive a blessing and will be officially sent to work in this parish vineyard.
This weekend we also have our ministry fair. I thank everyone who makes it possible: thank you to the Staff for the effort and to all the volunteers, thank you for your kind hearts and for the apostolate you carry out in our parish. I thank you in advance and I congratulate those who are going to enroll and continue serving in the various ministries; blessed be God for responding to His call and for accepting that great honor.
I continue to invite you to participate in our diocesan pilgrimage. This year we will make a pilgrimage with our Bishop to the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton National Basilica and the National Basilica of the Lourdes Grotto, both places in Emmitsburg, MD, on October 7. Our Bishop Michael Burbidge invites us to accompany him. I think it will be a nice occasion to live together as a parish. We are going to rent a bus to go together, I would like you to register as soon as possible. If you would like to participate please call the parish office to register. The cost per person is $35.00.
Finally, I remind you that we have a weekly virtual newsletter, which is sent via email every Friday. If you do not receive it, please send us your email to general@queenofapostles.org, to add it to the list. This helps us to keep you more informed about activities or last minute notices.
May God bless you and always keep you healthy. I always have you in my prayers.
Fr. Alex
