Pastor's Corner

This painting is called The Annunciation by Henry Tanner and is on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It depicts Mary’s encounter with the Angel Gabriel when she was told that God had chosen her to be the mother of the Promised Messiah – Jesus.

Thanksgiving is a time we "count our blessings" and offer due thanks to God for them. One perspective on a fitting response to God's greatest gift to us - our life, is provided by Swiss theologian and Catholic priest, Hans Urs Von Balthasar (1905 - 1988), who is considered one of the most important Roman Catholic theologians of the 20th century. He wrote, "What you are is God's gift to you. What you become is your gift to God."

Are you surprised that our Catholic Bishops have something to say about topical social issues, some of which are matters promoted by Democrats and others promoted by Republicans? The Church does not align with a particular political candidate or party, but it can speak about social issues that impact the welfare of our society.

1. Order a meal delivery for a neighbor or friend who is having a hard time.

2. Buy coffee or a drink for the person in line behind you at a drive-thru.

3. Smile at everyone you encounter for a day. (with your eyes)

4. Donate your time, treasures or talents to a local charity.

I came across a poem some time ago that I thought I'd share with you. The author is unknown. It compares our relationship with Christ to two people traveling on a tandem bicycle.

Occasionally, we get inquiries about what is appropriate for a funeral in the Catholic Church. As many Catholics want to have something religious for their loved one, but are not aware of what is prescribed, I offer some guidance that I hope will be helpful. Please share this information freely as needed.

Bethanne Hennessey, sister-in-law of Fr. Joe Hennessey, is in need of a living kidney donor. As you may know, when Fr. Joe was at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Green Harbor a few years ago, he would help us out here at Holy Family by celebrating weekly – a daily Mass, and would assist periodically with confessions and an occasional Sunday Mass. His sister and brother-in-law, Sally and John Burke, are parishioners. Fr. Joe contacted me recently asking if I would spread the word about his sister-in-law’s need of a new kidney.

The ministry of the Permanent Deacon is a wonderful and unique expression of God’s care for His Church. We are blessed presently to have two Permanent Deacons in our parish: Deacon Don Larose who was ordained in 2020 and Senior Deacon Art Keefe.

On September 16, Cardinal Seán offered the following statement regarding the immigration challenges our country faces, particularly on the occasion when Venezuelan refugees were recently transported from Florida to Massachusetts.

As you may know, Jeanne Cregan, our parish Director of Faith Formation, will be leaving to take a new ministry position as Pastoral Associate for Evangelization and Outreach at Christ by the Sea Catholic Collaborative in Hull and Cohasset. She will begin her new job on a full-time basis on October 3. This is an exciting opportunity for her to grow professionally as a Lay Ecclesial Minister and to venture into a new and challenging ministry where she will serve two parishes.

I extend special thanks to parishioners who offered their sympathy, support and prayers for me and my family at the recent death of my sister, Eleanor Glynn. Whether you attended her funeral, sent sympathy / Mass cards or expressed personally your condolences, know that we very much appreciate your kindness to us at this difficult time. Our faith in Jesus’ triumph over death and our hope of eternal life are special gifts that we come to appreciate all the more at a time like this. Recently I came across a prayer of St. Teresa of Calcutta (provided below), which seems to dovetail nicely with the new vision statement our parish pastoral plan writing team has proposed:

As part of the Archdiocese of Boston’s Pastoral Planning Process, parish lay leaders and staff members have been undertaking a self-examination on how Holy Family Parish should carry on its mission in the years ahead with a renewed emphasis on evangelization, which is to form committed disciples of Jesus Christ who truly know Him and love Him, and who seek to draw others into closer relationship with Him and His Church.

Have you ever wanted an option to attend Mass here at Holy Family on Sunday evenings? We had a monthly 5:00 pm Sunday Mass last year and it was popular enough to consider offering it weekly. So, after consulting with Fr. Bill who is willing to preside at the Sunday 5:00 pm Mass on rotation with me every other week, and with the support of the Parish Pastoral Council, we decided to offer a weekly 5:00pm Sunday Mass here at Holy Family Church beginning Sunday, September 18.

Recently, while on vacation at Lake George, NY, I had the opportunity to do something I’ve come to enjoy while walking on a popular pathway along the shore in Lake George Village.