Posted on April 26, 2024 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Parishioners:
We are celebrating the Fifth Sunday of Easter, and within the joy of Easter, in today’s gospel, Jesus presents himself as the true vine. He compares us to branches, branches attached to the stem that is the vine, and as is logical, the Father is the vine grower.
The Father wants us to bear much fruit. It is logical. A vine-grower plants the vineyard and cultivates it to produce abundant fruit. If we create a company, we will want it to grow. Jesus insists: “I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain” (Jn 15:16).
We must never forget that God chooses us; looking at it from a personal perspective, we must be clear that God has paid attention to us. Through baptism, He has grafted you into the vineyard of Christ. You have the life of Christ, the Christian life. You possess the main element to bear fruit: union with Christ, because “the branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine” (Jn 15:4). Jesus says it clearly: “Without me, you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Saint Francis de Sales used to say: “His strength is nothing but softness; There is nothing as soft as this, and nothing as firm as this.” The fruit that the Father expects from us is that of good works and the practice of virtues; these virtues are highlighted in faith and charity, and they make us remain in the grace of God and communion with Him. May the Virgin Mary help us increase grace to produce abundant fruits that give glory to the Father.
Last Thursday, April 25, we had our second parish golf tournament, “Queen’s Cup.” It was a great event organized by the parish, our school, and the parish Knights of Columbus. I am very proud of the great work done by the organizers, especially Bert Kalish, the organizing team, some members of the school’s PTO, and staff members; with their great effort, they encouraged many to participate. I also thank the sponsors for their donations and participation and remember that the funds raised will be very well used in the school and our parish.
Next week, the priests will be at the annual convocation together with the bishop and all the priests of the diocese. Every year, we take a period for study, rest, and a little prayer in communion with the brother priests. Fr. Paul will be away from Monday to Wednesday, and I will be away from Wednesday to Friday. We will keep you in our prayers.
As we approach the month of May, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, I urge each one of us to pray the rosary daily. Let’s unite in our prayers for the intentions of our bishop, our diocese, and our parish. Particularly, let’s pray for the Virgin to inspire us and strengthen our commitment to the evangelizing task. Our community needs more dedicated volunteers to carry forward Jesus’ mission.
Have a blessed and happy week.
Fr. Alex
