Fr. Mike’s Communication for June 12 2022

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, June 12, 2022

“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.”

~ John 16:12-13a

Brothers and Sisters,

Enough! We’ve all reached the point of exhaustion where we are no longer functioning to peak performance. A good teacher or professor will be aware when the class is no longer attentive and can absorb the information. They may shift from lecturing to a more engaged and interactive instructional style or simply take a few minutes to stretch or run around outdoors. This time of year, even the teachers may have reached this threshold and are counting the days and hours to a well-deserved summer break.

Jesus also understood this human limitation. He knew that he would not be able to complete his disciple’s education. The Holy Spirit would continue their education and formation. The Spirit, though, is much more like a principal, responsible for the scope and sequence that connects with our particular learning style and allows for differentiated learning. The Spirit employs many teachers and increases opportunities to reinforce the essential lessons.

As lifelong learners, we have to stay engaged. Summertime should be a shift in how and where we learn, rather than a break from learning – which is why there are expectations of reading, projects, and math packets assigned to school-aged children.

There are also the summer camps and Vacation Bible School focused on particular activities, travel, and vacations, time with grandparents and extended family that all lead to other ways of growth. By the way parents, OLPH’s VBS will be held July 18 through 22, and registration is open, visit https://olphparish.org/vbs to get your kiddos signed up!

In the less structured months before us, I encourage families to stay engaged. Visit our Good Shepherd Chapel for the time in prayer before Jesus (and maybe pair that with time at the playground or fun on the parish grounds).

I’m thankful to all those who help care for the campus and make it a welcoming space, including those who have adopted a flower bed around campus or lent a hand in the OLPH Community Garden. Your volunteer service to our campus helps us in remarkable ways. In addition to these gardening needs, we would also benefit from a small team to help care for the church by vacuuming weekly. Lastly, we require help to care for the pavers and statue of Jesus in our Prayer Garden. We welcome your support and invite you to contact us through the parish office at (410) 747-4334 or olphparish@archbalt.orgto learn more —thank you!

Some considerations:

  • Life-Giving Wounds Healing Retreat | July 29-31 – a three-day healing retreat for young adults and adults whose parents have divorced or separated will be offered at the Holy Family Seminary retreat center in Silver Spring, Maryland. Come for a greater understanding of the wound left by your parents’ divorce or separation, for advice concerning the love and trust of others, and for an experience of Christ and community that will lead to greater self-understanding and healing. Early bird registration, lodging information, and further details can be found at www.lifegivingwounds.org/dcmarylandretreat.

  •  Columbia Pregnancy Center Healing Group | June 4– Aug 6 Columbia Pregnancy will be conducting a 10-week abortion healing group using Her Choice to Heal in a book club setting. We will meet every Saturday starting June 4th to Aug 6th from 10-12p. at the Columbia Pregnancy Center located at 8945 Guilford, Rd Suite 130, Columbia, MD.
  • The Pastoral Council is a consultative body to the Pastor, providing insight into the life and mission of the Church related to OLPH Parish. Council members assist the Pastor, as needed, in developing goals for the parish and determining priorities and appropriate programs or projects to address these goals.
    At this time, the parish is seeking nominations to serve on the Council. Made up of members of the Parish, Pastoral Council members serve a three-year term and meet once per month as a group with the Pastor for 90 minutes. If you are interested in serving on the Pastoral Council or would like more information,
    please email Parish Council President Zack Robinson at zachary.t.robinson@gmail.com.

May the Lord offer us rest and rejuvenation in the coming months!

Rev. Michael S. Triplett