June 14, 2022June 16, 2022

Fr. Mike’s Communication for June 19 2022

by in Uncategorizedtags ,
16

From the Pastor’s Desk | June 19, 2022
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

“Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven,
[Jesus] said the blessing over them, broke them,
and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.
They all ate and were satisfied.”

– Luke 9:16-17a

Brothers and Sisters,

Are you satisfied? In an episode of “The Office,” Michael Scott pulls out the comments in the office suggestion box. As a manager, Michael is oblivious to any dissatisfaction or challenges at the Scranton branch of the Dunder Mifflin paper company.

Our contemporary culture has moved the often dusty and forgotten comment box to social media. Often without any attempt to communicate directly, frustrations are quickly posted. Yet, little is achieved in improving the crux of the situation. Invitations to share thoughts or comments are sometimes met with skepticism. At times we think the request for feedback is disingenuous. After all, no one wants to hear criticism. Even if the recipient listens intently, yet they don’t immediately remedy the situation, then it can be assumed they don’t really care about our feedback.

Jesus was very intentional when addressing his disciple’s needs. After teaching and healing those seeking cures, Jesus recognized their physical hunger. And instead of dismissing the people to find food on their own, Jesus tasked his apostles to meet the needs of a hungry crowd. Today, the Church still shoulders this responsibility. As the Body of Christ, we are called to extend teaching and healing from the Lord to the satisfaction of the people.

This does not mean that everyone will be happy. Remember, Jesus did not have a one-hundred-percent success rate either; many went away sad, thinking his teachings were too difficult to accept on faith. The challenge to meet the needs of our parishioners requires frequent and open dialogue. As your pastor, I need to hear from you (MTriplett@archbalt.org): what are we doing exceptionally well, and where are we lacking? And I know we might learn about frustrations, perhaps a staff member or I did not properly listen as intently as we should have, or we have yet to resolve a valid concern. As we learn from you, we request you offer us one more chance. It is my hope we would not require the same standard that we are called to forgive one another – 70 x 7 times, yet room to grow is our hope. In the past, as I have missed the chance to return a call or responded to an invitation, I appeal to you for another chance to connect with you.

A pastoral council is another means for the church to stay connected with its pastor. As shared last weekend, we are in need of fellow parishioners to help share the parish vision and assess how effective we are in supporting the needs of her parishioners. How do we keep growing to best meet each other’s needs and those of our neighbors? How well are we centering the life of the parish on the celebration of the Mass and the Eucharist? How can we serve the neglected or marginalized in the community, or still, who among us do we need to be more mindful of? Please take these questions to prayer and when the Holy Spirit offers an answer, please reach out and let us know your thoughts.

Finally, I would like this opportunity to wish all of those who serve as a Father, Grandfather, Godfather, or Father figure, a very Happy Father’s Day! I pray that God continues to bless you and provide wisdom as you love and guide your children!

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.
  • OLPH Outdoor viewing of 9 am Mass | Please note, that the parish will now project our 9 am Mass onto a screen outside the front of the church building. Parishioners who desire to remain outdoors are invited to bring a chair to this outdoor location. An Extraordinary Minister will bring Communion to those seated outside at this location. This Mass will continue to be broadcast on our website and Facebook page.
  • Are you refurnishing or downsizing? The Resource Exchange Ministry of St. Vincent de Paul in downtown Baltimore needs gently used, clean furniture and household goods. For a decade parish, volunteers have been working with Health Care for Homeless to furnish the apartments of their newly housed clients. For more information visit: https://www.stvchurch.org/justice-service/the-resource-exchange or call 410-657-5874.
  • Support for New Dads | At the Columbia Pregnancy Center, we recognize the importance of Dads. We are thankful for our fathers who make personal sacrifices and commit to being active and involved in their child’s life. The Center welcomes Dads to attend our education classes taught by doctors, nurses, and health experts teaching childbirth, lactation, nutrition, and infant care. In addition to our live classes, we have hundreds of classes to stream to your mobile device to help build knowledge and expand skills to help dads and moms prepare for parenthood. We have 11 classes designed JUST FOR MEN. If you are an expectant Dad, we are here to help. Contact us by calling or texting 410-730-3223 and check out our services for men.
  • Grief and Healing for Dads | At the Columbia Pregnancy Center we know how scary it can be to commit to parenting, especially when circumstances seem impossible. We also are aware that Father’s Day can be a difficult day for men who aborted their children. If you are a man who supported abortion and now have regret, anger or depression, we have resources to support your healing. Call or text the Columbia Pregnancy Center to find out more at 410-730-3223.

In the Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett