Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
-Luke 18:1
October 19, 2025
Brothers and Sisters,
Are you at peace? Or is life hectic at the moment?
If you’re like me, you probably spend more time trying to live the balanced life of a disciple and not always succeeding. The comforts and distractions of this world constantly pull us away from the peace that God promises. We feel tugged in many directions, yet we often put off grounding our lives in prayer and in our relationship with the Lord.
The disciple is called to embrace the cross, ready at any moment to go with the Lord Jesus and offer our lives. Still, we must be cautious of weariness. Yes, we grow tired, and yes, it’s essential to establish a healthy pattern of rest. But I admit that at times I use tiredness as an excuse. I’ll prioritize the entertaining or enjoyable activities, then excuse myself from prayer or ministry because it feels like “too much.” God reminds us instead to persevere in what truly matters.
This weekend, the Knights of Columbus are inviting the men of the parish to consider joining. The Knights form a wonderful fraternity that encourages members to prioritize faith and family. They support one another, share opportunities to serve, accompany each other on the journey of faith, and engage the whole family. Our local council, Fr. Joseph J. Comyns Council #9638, does so much to support the parish and school, serving at many of our events. You can learn more at kofc9638.org or email kofc9638gk2324@gmail.com with any questions or to express interest in joining.
The Knights also invite the whole parish to participate in the Respect for Life Living Rosary this Sunday after the 11 a.m. Mass. After all the Masses, members will also be present collecting donations for the Tootsie Roll Drive.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is forming another aspirancy class for the Permanent Diaconate. The diaconate is a great gift to the Church, reminding us of the importance of committed service and conforming our lives to Christ. We are blessed at OLPH with Deacons Mike Sindall and Roch Kallmyer, as well as our former parishioners Deacon Steve Sarnecki and Deacon Mike King, now serving at neighboring parishes.
As someone who worked with deacon formation for 13 years, let me offer this one piece of advice: if you have any inclination that God might be calling you to the diaconate, attend an information session. One does not apply because he knows God has called him; one applies because he thinks God might be calling. The entire time of formation is a journey of discernment—both yours and the Church’s.
If you’d like to talk more about this possibility, please reach out to me at mtriplett@archbalt.org. I’d be happy to discuss and support you on the journey. Typically, applicants are between 30 and 55 years of age. One of the upcoming information sessions will be held on Thursday, November 20, at 7 p.m. at St. Louis Parish, Clarksville. If you plan to attend, contact Fr. Michael Foppiano, Director of the Diaconate, at mfoppiano@archbalt.org.
If that date doesn’t work for you, reach out to me and I can share other upcoming dates and locations.
Let us pray that the Lord continues to call dedicated disciples to serve His Church as deacons!
In the Lord,
Rev. Michael S. Triplett