August 9, 2022August 22, 2022

Fr. Mike’s Communication for Aug 14 2022

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From the Pastor’s Desk | Aug 14, 2022 | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time


Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves
of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.

– Hebrews 12:1-2a

 

Brothers and Sisters,

 

When was the last time you allowed yourself the luxury of cloud gazing? I hope you’ve had extra time this summer to slow down and do just that! The other day, after mowing my Mother’s lawn, my nieces and nephews overpowered me in an impromptu water balloon battle (yes, it was very similar to the parish picnic). After our fight, I reclined in a comfy lawn chair to peek at the sky above. The clouds that day were rather vivid. Have you ever tried to describe what you see when you look at a cloud formation to someone else? If you haven’t, try this fun exercise – getting another to see can be almost impossible.

In this week’s Second Reading, the Letter to the Hebrews offers an image for us, the saints as a “cloud of witnesses.” A group of believers whose lives made clear they followed Jesus! Their example of faith serves as a testament to God’s abiding love and intimacy with his sons and daughters. Remember, though we may not be saints (yet), we are, each of us, witnesses to Jesus. Still, we cannot force our vision upon others. The eyes of faith must be cultivated through prayer, reading Scripture, and letting our lives bear witness. Then we can invite others to gaze heavenward, to find a living and true God.

Tomorrow’s, the Solemnity of the Assumption, also focuses our sights on the heavens. While not a Holy Day of obligation this year, I encourage everyone to come to Mass on August 15 at 8:15 am and 7 pm to celebrate our Mother and thank the Lord for opening the gates of heaven for all his faithful. The feast marks Mary’s profound “yes” to the Lord’s plan and her reward of being raised, body, and soul, into God’s eternal kingdom. Mary still intercedes for us, seated first, supernaturally among the saints.

Music is powerful! Hymes and worship music helps us focus our minds and hearts on God when we are in Mass. Our parish has a wonderful music ministry, great musicians, cantors, and singers. This weekend marks a transition as Ben-David completes three years of service as our Music Ministry Director here at OLPH and moves on to a parish in Arlington. Please join me in thanking God for his talents and that the Lord will continue to use him to give praise and glory to God.

Lastly, as the academic year fast approaches, I encourage parishioners and neighbors to consider if our Parish school might be a fit for their children and family. Our Lady of Perpetual Help School is offering a Welcome Tuition Grant of $1000 for new students entering K to 7th grades who enroll during August. Check out this fantastic opportunity at https://olphschool.org/tuition-grants-2022-23-academic-year/ or call the school office at (410)744-4251 for more information about our Blue Ribbon school.

 

 

 

Some considerations:

  • CHECK IT OUT! We are excited to share that the parish was able to secure a grant through Howard County Historic Cemetery Funds, which allowed for the replacement of the St. Mary’s Cemetery sign at our parish cemetery on Ilchester Road. The original sign, which dates back to September of 1894, was in disrepair and began to rust through. We are honored to be able to honor those who rest in the cemetery and the history of our parish. We hope to gather some volunteers for our next effort, clean up and repaint the gate under the sign. Interested in helping? Email Lisa Sliker at lmsliker@gmail.com.

  • DID YOU KNOW? Our parish book rack was just restocked with lots of great reading to inspire you and help you learn more about your faith! There’s something waiting here for you. Check it out in the Narthex Hallway the next time you are in Church.
  • OLPH Food Pantry is running low: Our pantry serves those in the community weekly and our supply to support our clients is running low. Particular items of need include snacks, crackers, canned meats, fruit drinks, beef stew, canned spaghetti, shelf-stable milk, pancake mix and syrup, and soaps of all types. Drop off items to the Narthex labeled for the Food Pantry. Thank you for your generosity in supporting our neighbors in need.
  •  EAGLE SCOUT FUNDRAISER! Stop by the Good Shepherd Room after 4:30, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, or 5:00 pm Mass the weekend of August 20/21 to grab some donuts and support an Eagle Scout Project! Eagle Scout Matt Gilmour has offered to build a portable Gaga Pit for use by OLPH Youth for outdoor events like our Parish picnic, Youth Ministry fellowship nights, and after FoP social events. So plan to grab a donut and support a good cause.Help Our Marriage Retrouvaille; a Marriage Help Program helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. This program has helped many couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information or to register for the upcoming program beginning with a weekend on September 2nd – 4th, please visit: www.HelpOurMarriage.org, call (443) 400-7017, or email us at: 3015@HelpOurMarriage.org

 

 

In the Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett