From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Parishioners,

“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their word.” (John. 17:20)

We are preparing in our Scriptures for the glorious Solemnity of Pentecost. For the last few weeks in St. John’s Gospel, Jesus is preparing His Disciples for the reception of the Power that will come from on high. One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is unity. Unity in belief and unity in our actions. This unity is not expressed by each of us doing the “same thing,” but is seen as a sharing of hearts. It is an invitation to live and act in the one mind of Jesus. God has blessed each of us with gifts and talents. Each of the gifts we have received is different and unique, and we are called to share them freely with Jesus and His life lived out in the Church. So, as we come to celebrate Pentecost next weekend, think about the gifts Jesus has blessed you with during your life.

The first line of the Gospel, “those who believe in me through their words,” is certainly a way of living the unity that Jesus prays for us. It is for us the believers in Jesus who are called to make a difference in our world. We are not just called to act in kindness and mercy, though those are certainly important attributes. The Scripture is a little more specific: “through their word.” Our words are now compared to the Word of Jesus. We are invited to act, not just in goodness, but also in the WORD. So this means that acts of kindness, mercy, and forgiveness are now part and parcel of the life of a believer. Those “good actions” are now done in the Name and Power of Jesus Christ.

We are reminded that we must provide witness to those around us. This probably doesn’t mean in a pulpit, but certainly in our everyday dealings with those who come into our lives. To live as a witness to those around us can undoubtedly be a more daunting and difficult task. Maybe we can begin by focusing on how well we witness to our family members. It’s easy, at times, to be forgiving to those we do not see very often; the challenge comes with offering that mercy to those we see and deal with each day. Maybe they have hurt us and continue to do so. Our forgiveness should not be based on whether they have sought it or not. It is a gift freely given. Wow, how challenging is that! But that, my dear Sisters and Brothers, is what it means to live by our words.

We profess faith in Jesus, not just as a title, but also as the WORD of God that invites us to a way of living and responding. So our “word” must stem from the WORD of God. So, in all we do and say, we can respond in unity with the heart of Jesus. That heart, which calls us to act in compassion for all God’s people. In a genuine and concrete way, it means a submission of our will to that of the Father. If we become so hardened in what we want/ desire, we can break or weaken that bond of unity Jesus so earnestly prayed for.

As I mentioned, next Sunday is Pentecost. I would like to invite all people to wear something red that day. My hope is that the “external” may truly touch that which is called to be “internal” in our lives. Prepare your hearts during this week for the coming of the Holy Spirit in your own heart.

J Stewards of God’s Gifts

When we recall the Ascension of the Lord, which we celebrated this past Thursday, always remember that Jesus is always with us—He did not abandon us.

Living Stewardship ~ Pillar of Hospitality: As the weather grows nicer, find new ways to be hospitable and at service to your neighbor. Perhaps invite an elderly neighbor over for tea, or volunteer to cut their grass and tidy up their lawn.

The collection for Sunday, May 14, 2023 amounted to $26,255.00. The collection for Sunday, May 15, 2022 amounted to $20,009.00.

Have you enrolled yet? Visit www.faithdirect.net. Our parish code is NY281.

We Care for Our Parish Community

Baptism

We celebrate Baptism at 1:30 PM on the second Sunday of the month and at 12:30 PM on the fourth Saturday of the month as scheduled. Please call the Parish Office at least one month in advance to see if a date is available and to arrange to fill out pre-baptismal paperwork. New parents are required to attend a Baptism preparation session held once every month. Those chosen as sponsors for Baptism should lead lives in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role of Godparent.”

Marriage

At least six months before you plan to be married and before you make arrangements for the reception, please make an appointment with one of the priests to begin the necessary preparations.

Children’s Education

Saint Mary’s Elementary School offers excellent education in the spirit of the Gospel from grades N, Pre-K to Eighth grade. For information call 627-0184.

Empowering Character, Innovation and Leadership in our students, Saint Mary’s High School is a dynamic, contemporary, Catholic value-centered school, combining a commitment to academic excellence and educational innovation, with a passion for learning, and an emphasis on moral character development through the pursuit of truth and discovered in faith and reason. For information call 627-2711.

The Religious Education Program provides excellent formation in the Catholic Faith for children in public or private schools. Preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation requires two years. Classes are held at St. Mary’s for Grades 1 through 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays

4:30-5:30 PM. Classes also meet on Sundays from 9:3010:20 AM for Grades 1 through 8 and on Mondays from 7:00-8:00 PM for Grades 6, 7 and 8. We also offer the option of an online home program for Grades 1 through 7. For information about Grades 1-8 call 627-4028 or email Mrs. Marie Granieri at releddirector@stmary.ws.

Parish Social Ministry

We care for our sisters and brothers through our Parish Social Ministry and Food Pantry. For information call 365-2705.

Youth Ministry

We reach out to our teens though our Youth Ministry Program. For information email youth@stmary.ws or visit stmarysyouth.weebly.com.

New Parishioners

We welcome new members to the Catholic Church and to Saint Mary’s Parish. If you are new in the area or interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, please call the Parish Office.

Opportunities For Prayer

The Church is open Monday to Friday until 8:45 PM, on Saturday until the end of the 5:00 PM Mass, and on Sunday until 6:00 PM so that we may have the opportunity for quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The Miraculous Medal Novena is said each Monday following the 9:00 AM Mass. Monday to Saturday the Rosary is said following the 9:00 AM Mass. Eucharistic Adoration is held every Monday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in the Chapel. On First Saturdays, the Scriptural Rosary is recited following the 9:00 AM Mass.