Fr. Mike's Communication for July 25, 2021

Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual help | July 25, 2021

“When Jesus raised his eyes
and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip,
“Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?’”

– John 6:5

Brothers and Sisters,

Blessings on this World Day of Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly! As we approach the annual celebration of Sts. Joachim and Anne, on Monday, July 26, amid this Year of the Family, let us implore the graces and blessings upon the many wise, elder-witnesses in our lives who have introduced us to the Lord and taught the faith.

Back in 2016, after the Synod on the Family concluded, Pope Francis penned Amoris Laetitia or The Joy of Love. An apostolic letter focused on the family; in it, our Holy Father shared, “The experience of love in families is a perennial source of strength for the life of the Church.” (The Holy Father, Francis, AMORIS LÆTITIA, 68) In the spirit of these words, a good measure of a healthy parish begins in the homes of its parishioners. Homes, where solid and supportive relationships exist and where each member is encouraged and though “far from considering themselves perfect, live in love, fulfill their calling and keep moving forward, even if they fall many times along the way.”(The Holy Father, Francis, AMORIS LÆTITIA, 46). The letter also highlights our extended families and the importance of Grandparents, those “who ensure that the most important values are passed down to their grandchildren.” and, as “many people can testify that they owe their initiation to the Christian life to grandparents.” (The Holy Father, Francis, AMORIS LÆTITIA, 46).

Yes, part of OLPH’s vibrancy stems from the many solid young adults and families who call our parish home. But we are equally blessed with elders who, with deep wisdom acquired by a life full of experiences while following the Lord, help guide not only their families but also us, their fellow parishioners on the right path. And this gratitude for Seniors extends beyond just grandparents – I remember a wonderful single lady in my home parish growing up who participated in the Annual Workcamp and treated us, kids, with great kindness and support. May they always know their impact on the life of our parish! Would you mind taking this opportunity to celebrate the older and wiser among us, these beautiful sources of guidance and encouragement, and share a word of gratitude and thanks as we pray for their continued health and well-being?

In this Year of the Eucharist, we are blessed to begin the “Bread of Life Discourse” from John 6 (and will read from this sermon for the next five weeks, with one exception). As Jesus draws a crowd, he delivers one of his most important sermons, teaching about the gift of his very self. The mystery of the Eucharist is profound and worthy of continued prayer and meditation. Nothing can replace the gift that IS Jesus. He knew this when he asked Philip how they would make it possible to gather food enough to feed the crowd. For us, this predicament is not only daunting and overwhelming but genuinely impossible, but for Jesus, all is possible! Remembering this, let us then gaze upon Christ, who is made present for us on the Altar, begging not only for the one who is our life but for so many who go hungry spiritually.

I extend our deep gratitude to all who help us appreciate the gift of the Eucharist! Thanks to our many committed adorers who demonstrate the importance of spending time with him to the countless pastoral visitors who bring Jesus to be sick, the homebound, and marginalized. My gratitude to Sr. Lorraine, our Deacons, our communion ministers, many of our Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary, and Pastoral Care team. Whether formally bringing Jesus in the Sacrament, or reaching out with prayer and connecting family, friends, and neighbors spiritually with Jesus, our thanks!

Some of the key considerations for this week.

- Would you please take a minute and read OLPH parishioner, Bob Giesey’s Adoration testimony, where he shares how spending time with the real presence of our Lord gave him a better understanding of a Father’s love? Click here to read Bob’s heartfelt words. In this Year of the Eucharist, the Archdiocese of Baltimore is interested in hearing your special story too For information on how to share, check out the website. I invite you to discover the power of one hour with our Lord in Adoration! We are blessed at OLPH to have our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 am to Saturday at 8 am. Come to our chapel to refresh your soul and sit in His very presence. In order to honor Him appropriately, we need to ensure he has two adorers for each hour, and we have some openings still available. Please sign up by clicking here, to be a scheduled adorer or substitute adorer.
- Please keep in your prayer our Parish and School as we look to fill several positions.
  OLPH Church is seeking a full-time Director of Youth Ministry, and our School is seeking a Director for the Marian Program, a MS Math and Science Teacher, a 1st Grade Teacher, and a part-time Spanish teacher (with the possibility of sharing responsibilities at a neighboring school for a full-time teaching position). Check out these job opportunities here.
- Boom is fast approaching! High School Youth (rising freshmen through graduated Seniors) are encouraged to join us, August 2-6, with opportunities for prayer and to go Beyond in service at sites including the Shrine of St. Anthony, Our Daily Bread, Franciscan Center, First Fruits Farm, and Helping Up Mission. The day will start with 8:15 am morning Mass at OLPH each day and conclude with returning to the parish around 3 pm. Friday will be spent celebrating our week of service with time for food and fellowship. Register here now!
- In response to the growing need for Mental Health services and support, the Archdiocese has launched a mental wellness initiative. Among the efforts, Mental Health experts compiled resources and various provider listings to assist individuals, couples, and families in finding the help they may need at archbalt.org/help-is-here/. Please share this information widely with family and friends.

St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Rev. Michael S. Triplett