May 31, 2023June 5, 2023
by in Communications, Uncategorized
16

From the Pastor’s Desk

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

June 4, 2023

 “Then Moses said, “If I find favor with you, O Lord, do come along in our company.”

~Exodus 34:8

Brothers and Sisters,

You’re invited!

Have you gotten your invitation yet? The celebrations never seem to end this time of year, so you’ve most likely been blessed with a few invitations or maybe even several to festivities around a graduation or two, a baptism, or perhaps a first holy communion (okay, fair enough; you’ve likely missed the first communion party if that invitation is still in your pile). Or, perhaps you’ve been asked to help celebrate an upcoming ordination. Archbishop Lori will ordain eight priests on June 24, including Deacon John Bilenki, who has family at OLPH. Deacons will also be ordained in a few months on October 14, including parishioners Mike King and Manuel Aliaga, who also spent some time at our parish during his formation. Let’s keep these men in our prayers!

As we enter Ordinary Time, there is one invitation we absolutely cannot forget, the one to the wedding. When? Today. At what time? Now. Who’s getting married? We are! We are invited to join in a marriage with God. Our Creator chooses us. And our imperfections, weaknesses, and infidelities won’t keep him – The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit – from committing to us. And our reply to this extraordinary invitation comes in our prayers and, above all, during Mass when we can declare our love to God and at the same time (and more importantly) when God expresses his faithful and undeterred love for us. This powerful declaration of devotion should never be missed. Are you traveling for vacation? No problem! Finding a Mass near you is easy unless you are heading to the International Space Station. Check out masstimes.org or other digital avenues to find Mass near you.

Next Sunday, June 11, the Church joins in the celebrations when we commemorate Corpus Christi (The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ). In honor of the Solemnity and Jesus’ abiding presence in the Eucharist, you are invited to a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Bruce Lewandowski with a Eucharistic Procession at the Cathedral of Mary our Queen on Saturday, June 10, at 5 pm. And on Sunday, June 11, to our Parish Eucharistic procession after Communion during our 11 am Mass. Please come to the celebration and keep celebrating after Mass during a special time for fellowship.

This Summer, as we celebrate all that is good, let us also deepen our dedication to the Mass and the Eucharist as our means to unite with our Lord!

 

In the Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett

Other Considerations in and around our Community:

  • YOUR HELP IS NEEDED – The Columbia Pregnancy Center is a non-profit organization that helps pregnant women and girls in difficult situations by offering medical, material, and spiritual support. The Center welcomes them with compassion and provides concrete help. We are looking for nurses, sonographers, desk greeters, client advocates, boutique helpers, data entry assistants, and individuals with expertise in information technology, media, graphic design, and writers/editors. Consider sharing your talents to empower women to choose life. Visit: https://www.columbia-babies.org/how-to-help.
  • UNBOUND PRAYER MINISTRY -Many of us are fighting invisible battles with anxieties, negative thoughts, sins, unhealthy relationships, destructive habits, resentments, and bitter wounds that never seem to heal. You can reach out and experience God’s merciful love, healing, and freedom! Unbound Ministry Prayer releases the power of Jesus into wounded lives. On Saturday, June 17th, trained teams will be available to provide individual prayer using the Unbound Model of prayer in Ellicott City, MD. Unbound Prayer is based on five scriptural keys that help you unlock those areas of your life where you want to receive greater freedom, healing & spiritual growth. If you would like to schedule an appointment or want more information, please get in touch with Dan or Peggy Gahagan by Monday, June 12th, at UnboundMinistryMaryland@gmail.com. We ask that you read at least the first seven chapters of the book Unbound by Neal Lozano before your appointment to receive Unbound prayer (available at www.Amazon.com OR www.heartofthefather.com).
  • WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER – “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Trust in the Lord that He is in your marriage. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience gives you the tools to have your best marriage. Upcoming dates are Jul 14-16, 2023, in ROCKVILLE, MD, and Sep 22-24, 2023 in Herndon, VA. Early sign-up is recommended. For more information, visit our website at: https://moments4marriage.org or contact us at applications@moments4marriage.org or 301-541-7007.
  • OLPH COMMUNITY GARDEN – Did you know that behind the parish office, we have a community garden, and the fruits of that garden are used to support those we serve in Baltimore City through our outreach ministry SALT? This summer our garden can you a few volunteers to water once a week. Interested in picking a day? Visit olph.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/595/responses/new to pick a day of the week.