September 11, 2025September 11, 2025
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19

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

No servant can serve two masters.

-Luke 16:13

September 21, 2025

Pier Giorgio Frassati

Brothers and Sisters,

“To the Heights!”

This rallying cry of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, canonized by Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, September 7, 2025, continues to inspire us toward a passionate and joyful life of faith. Frassati was a young Italian Catholic known for his deep faith, care for the poor, and joyful spirit. As a member of the Third Order Dominicans, his legacy has sparked numerous apostolates around the world and remains a model for us today.

If you were to craft your own rallying cry to encourage yourself, your family, or our parish community, what would it be? Consider drawing from a favorite Scripture verse, a cherished Bible story, or the words of a saint whose wisdom has carried you through. A motto, short and memorable, can serve as a quick reminder of God’s truth and a ready encouragement to one another.

During a recent time of prayer with our staff, Fr. George shared a saying often seen in Ghana: “No cross, no crown.” This simple phrase reminds us that the path to salvation always involves the cross. There are no shortcuts. The grace of the Cross is costly grace, requiring our full commitment and conversion, turning from the temporary things of this world so that we may cling to the eternal. Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him, and with that invitation comes his promise: he will remain with us and give us the strength we need.

Discipleship of this depth and intensity deserves our attention. As part of that call to conversion, please note our updated schedule for the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

  • Mondays: after the 8:00 am Mass and again from 11:00 am–12:00 noon
  • Tuesdays: 5:30–6:30 pm
  • Fridays: 4:00–6:00 pm
    (Wednesday confessions have been phased out as part of this new schedule.)

If technology is one of the crosses in your life, as it is for many of us, join us for a showing of Screenagers on Tuesday, September 23, from 7:00–9:00 pm. The film will be followed by a panel discussion to help us reflect on ways to cultivate a healthier relationship with our devices.

This Friday, all married, engaged, and dating couples are warmly invited to a Couples’ Holy Hour at 7:00 pm. This time of prayer and fellowship also marks the kickoff for our Marriage Class, an online resource designed to spark meaningful conversations and help couples strengthen their relationship in faith.

In other opportunities to deepen our walk with Christ, our women’s ministry will soon begin a new session of Walking with Purpose, starting with the study Ordering Your Priorities. For our high school students, we are introducing a new opportunity I am especially excited about: Brunch & Bible Study, part of our Encounter Youth Ministry. A Sunday morning gathering (10:00 am–12:00 noon) will create space for our young people to support one another and listen to the Lord’s voice. Brunch & Bible Study launches next Sunday.

You can find more details and registration information for these and all our parish events in the bulletin or online at OLPHparish.org/reg-hub.

Let us keep striving together—to the heights!

In the Lord,
Rev. Michael S. Triplett

BLUE MASS – Archbishop William E. Lori will celebrate a special Blue Mass at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 , to recognize first responders from across the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Monastery Parish, 3801 Old Frederick Road in Baltimore. The parish is located in southwest Baltimore with ample parking and easy access to interstates 95 and 695 and U.S. 40. Named for the color of uniforms worn by many first responders, the Blue Mass is a longstanding tradition in the Catholic Church to offer prayers for law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and all public safety professionals, both retired and in active duty. More than 400 people attended last year’s Blue Mass. All are welcome, regardless of faith tradition. First responders are encouraged to wear their uniforms..

MASS OF CONSOLATION FOR FAMILIES GRIEVING THE LOSS OF CHILDREN— On Friday, October 17, 2025, at 7 pm at the Ascension campus, The Community of Ascension & St. Augustine will remember babies and children lost through early infant death. All those who have lost children are encouraged to attend. It does not matter how long the loss has been; we are here for you & your family. If you are interested in attending, please get in touch with Mary Hoban at 410-242-2292 or mary@ccasta.org.

WINE AT THE SHRINE — Join the Franciscan Friars Conventual Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1-6 p.m. for Wine at the Shrine, an outdoor celebration of Little Portion Farm and the Franciscan Center of Baltimore, two organizations that work together to bring quality, fresh food to those living with food insecurity in our region. This fall festival features wine and beer sampling, local food trucks, live music, pumpkin picking, kids’ activities, craft vendor shopping, and hayrides all on the grounds of the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City. For more info & tix at www.wineattheshrine.org.