Fr. Mike's Communication for May 23, 2021

Solemnity of Pentecost | May 23, 2021

“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me.
And you also testify,
because you have been with me from the beginning.”
– John 15:26-27

Brothers and Sisters,

Come, Holy Spirit, and strengthen our parish efforts to bear witness to the risen Lord! Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he assured his disciples he wasn’t leaving them alone. An Advocate would follow—a Spirit to guide them. The enduring presence of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, disciples, and us, remains our constant consolation. Despite all the twists and turns that life can bring, if we ask the Holy Spirit to reveal our path, we have the confidence it will ultimately lead to Christ.

This Pentecost, as we implore the Holy Spirit for assistance, we should also take time to identify the many blessings and graces manifested by the Spirit. When I reflect on this, I realize how grateful I am for the many parishioners who “pay -it-forward,” by generously using their gifts of Spirit, offering their time, talent, and treasure in service of our mission. I would be remiss without mentioning our staff too, who have given so much and exceeded expectations. Joyfully taking on additional roles and responsibilities during this extraordinary past year – to which the category “other duties as assigned” in job descriptions has often swelled beyond reason. Thank you!

While the parish begins to offer more opportunities to gather, we desire parishioners to be comfortable beginning or reengaging in parish life, whether that means returning to in-person worship or participating in an OLPH sponsored group or ministry. Returning to “normal” parish activities will most likely look different for each of us. I embrace this past year has been frustrating to those looking for ways to solve, help or arrive upon a way to be together. It is my honest intention, together with your thoughts, to discover a new way forward. That continues to meet the varying needs of our parish community.

Speaking of new, this Summer will bring many changes to our parish community. As yesterday’s announcement indicated, Archbishop Lori has assigned Fr. Rob as Associate Pastor at Christ the King and St. Bernadette in Northern Anne Arundel County. Fr. Rob cares deeply for our parishioners, and no transition is easy. Please pray for him and Fr. Anthony Abiamiri, who we are excited to welcome in July.

This weekend, Archbishop Lori ordained Deacon Roch Kallmyer and Deacons Mark Rachid, Tom Higgins, Karl Noah, Bill Arther, Howard Klohr, John Schmidt, and Michael Lewandowski, Joe Slattery, Danny Cajigas, Jim Rose, Mike Tiné, and Dan Miller. I’m excited (and am confident that his wife Linda shares in that excitement) to announce that Archbishop Lori has assigned long-time parishioner Deacon Roch Kallmyer to serve at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. He will be a great addition to our team, along with Deacon Mike Sindall.

Along with our incoming Principal, Mrs. Tracy Underwood, July 1 will see a few changes. Please keep in your prayers all who are undergoing transitions in their life. May the Spirit fill them with grace and help them in assimilating into new communities and new roles.

Some of the key considerations for this week.

The parish is no longer requiring reservations for Sunday Masses. Additionally, we will be able to open up more pews, increasing capacity. This weekend, please know that you will enter the church through the side doors and the front doors. And if you have not yet taken note, the Holy Water fonts have returned to the rear of the church.
Please join us for Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity next weekend. Our Mass schedule remains Saturday at 4:30 pm, Sundays at 7:30 am, 9 am, 11 am (Outdoors), and 5 pm. We will shift this schedule in the summer, so please keep an eye on our communications.
To wear or not to wear, that is the question. As restrictions lift, many people ponder the prudent course of action to understand the latest science on the coronavirus and the best ways to truly end this pandemic. “When and where to wear a mask?,” becomes the newest question for families to answer. As we respond to this question with our answer, let us embrace each other with understanding.

While this past year brought many challenges still, I’m thankful for the many blessings and graces that God has brought about in my life during this pandemic. The extra time enabled me to appreciate a slower pace, especially while driving around town. As “normalcy” returns, let’s resist the urge to jump back into the rat race; instead, let’s seek thoughtful guidance and inspiration from the Holy Spirit to consider the impact of each activity and commitment on your relationship with God, with family, and with friends.

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

Rev. Michael S. Triplett