Dear Parish Family,
We all love the month of May with its warmer temperatures, sunnier skies and happier people. It’s a month packed with activities for families, schools, and the Church. The thing I look forward to most is the First Holy Communion Masses we’ll be celebrating this month. It is always an exciting day for the children and their families. There is nothing quite like observing our young children coming to the Lord’s Altar and receiving the Eucharist. It is a very holy moment and I always feel privileged to be a part of their special day. I pray that this sacred gift is one that will be an integral part of their entire lives. Some of our high school students will be receiving the sacrament of Confirmation in May and June. Like last fall, I have the great privilege of presiding at the three liturgies. The teens have worked hard to get to this point in their spiritual journey and we need to keep them in prayer. Confirmation doesn’t mark a closing of their young adult spiritual life but instead the beginning of an interactive relationship with their God and His people. I pray that the gifts of the Holy Spirit will always inspire and direct our young people.
May is also the month we remember our mothers, both in heaven and here on earth. It’s a sad reality that we can easily take for granted those we love the most. Mother’s Day reminds us of the gift God has given us with our moms. Like our heavenly mother, Mary, they give us life, support, strength, direction and, most of all, their unconditional love. On behalf of my brother clergy and the staff of our parishes I would like to thank our mothers for all they do for their families and for our Church. May God bless you and those you hold most dear.
“May the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, always smile on your spirit, obtaining for it, from her Most Holy Son, every heavenly blessing.”
--Saint Padre Pio
Peace,
Fr. Rick
Staff Announcements
Dear Parish Family,
As I mentioned at our Masses at St. Matthew this weekend, after 29 years of service, Mrs. Cynde Yaconiello will be retiring from her position as Religious Education Coordinator. Our children knew her as Mrs. Y and knew her to be a very loving and caring leader of youth. We all thank her for her very dedicated service and wish her much joy in her retirement. I have a feeling her wonderful grandson Nico is going to love this retirement. Cynde will continue to be an integral part of our parish and will be assisting us in this transitional period. Thank you Cynde for all you’ve done to bring Christ to our young people.
I am also happy to report that I have appointed Liz Bologna as the Blessed Sacrament Music Coordinator. Liz has been involved with our music program for many years and most will recognize her from her work as a cantor and most recently coordinating our Lent and Easter videos. Liz has extensive experience in music and will be responsible for coordinating and enhancing our music ministry programs. The goal of the Coordinator is to help create through music an environment for parishioners that nurtures a love and devotion to their Catholic faith. Liz will collaborate with our music directors, cantors, and other volunteers to prepare and diversify liturgical and special celebration music as well as continue to help record, conduct, and edit parish music videos.
We are blessed to have her in this leadership role. Thank you, Liz!
Peace,
Fr. Rick