Brothers and Sisters,

How beautiful are those who share the Good News! We are a Church filled with evangelists—those who go out to encounter our brothers and sisters, teach about the wonders of the Lord, and bear witness to a life lived in cooperation with grace.

The Acts of the Apostles gives us a glimpse into the life of the disciples as the Church was formed by the graces of the Holy Spirit. Beginning with the Ascension of Jesus and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, the Spirit’s work blossoms. The disciples offered others an encounter with the risen Lord—and after being fed and nourished by the teachings, they welcomed new believers into the community and empowered them to share their gifts and charisms.

As your pastor, I need you. While our parish staff comes together and works hard for the Lord’s mission, we are not enough on our own. What was so essential to the living and spreading of the faith in those early days? It wasn’t just the brilliance of Paul or his collaborators like Barnabas. They depended on the full support of the community. They relied on others to persevere in the faith and to make sacrifices for the sake of God’s kingdom.

Today’s readings ask you—having received the gift of faith—to live that faith out. How is the Lord calling you to engage? Perhaps he is calling you to serve in parish ministries: to assist at liturgy, to commit to prayer and adoration, to help build community, or to go out in charity to our brothers and sisters. Maybe you’re being drawn to accompany others in one of our faith communities, to teach and pass on the faith, to give thoughtful feedback on the parish vision through the pastoral council, or even to fulfill a need that has not yet been met.

Following the vision of Archbishop Lori, next year we will begin preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for children and youth starting at age 9. At the same time, we will offer opportunities to learn and grow with our elementary, middle, and high school students, while also recognizing the many adults in our parish who still need to receive Confirmation. Please prayerfully discern joining our efforts—offering your presence and charisms to support our enthusiastic team.

Archbishop Lori also invites the faithful to a Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice on Wednesday, June 11 at 7:30 PM at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Come celebrate the Holy Mass and give thanks for the work of Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. In offering this Mass, Archbishop Lori highlights the vital ministries that serve the poor and vulnerable. As Christians, we are called by Jesus to meet the needs of those who suffer. The Church’s mission—clearly outlined in the Gospel of Matthew—is to care for “the least of these.”

Following the vision of Archbishop Lori, next year we will begin preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for children and youth starting at age 9. At the same time, we will offer opportunities to learn and grow with our elementary, middle, and high school students, while also recognizing the many adults in our parish who still need to receive Confirmation. Please prayerfully discern joining our efforts—offering your presence and charisms to support our enthusiastic team.

Understanding that every human life is sacred, we are called to move forward together—with compassion, justice, and mercy. I hope you’ll consider joining me and fellow parishioners at this special Mass, as we give thanks for those who serve and recommit ourselves to the mission entrusted to us by Christ.