Memo from Msgr. Raun - Tuesday, May 26th, 2020
My dear family,
Greetings in the Risen Lord!
TREASURES FROM THE QUARANTINE: The Treasure of Gratitude
The lockdown made people more aware of who and what they love. In the rush of life, it’s easy to take people, things, and activities for granted. But when people slowed down long enough to live in the present, they realized who and what they value.
God increased the capacity for gratitude as many realized how many blessings they already had—and their source. Every “good and perfect gift” is from our loving Father in heaven (James 1:17). The Bible says, “Be thankful,” and it’s a wonderful way to live.
Because of COVID-19, people became more thankful for things and opportunities they’d often failed to appreciate before: churches and church activities, sports and sporting events, restaurants, lunch meet-ups with friends, school concerts, well-stocked grocery stores, shopping malls, the splendor of nature beyond our own back yards, vacations, and so much more.
After being cooped up so long, we all have a new appreciation of the value of freedom.
Make a list of the things you’re grateful for, and review it daily to develop a more thankful attitude. Intentionally make more time for people. Resolve not to let anything crowd out valuable time with those you love. Plan an affordable, relaxing vacation. Schedule time at least once a month to enjoy God’s creation. When shopping, do so with a grateful heart. Celebrate America’s freedoms, and stand with those who protect our freedom. Thank God in all circumstances!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1)
Dawn Wilson Crosswalk.com
TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY: I have just come from our parish church, where the ordination as Deacon of our parishioner, Jordan Sanchez, took place. It was an ordination like none other that I have seen - everyone, including the Archbishop, wearing masks and social distancing! But it was a valid and joyful ordination, none the less! Our congratulations to Deacon Jordan! God willing, next year we will be celebrating his ordination as a priest!
LIFE GOES ON: Yes, we are having baptisms, weddings and funerals. Of course they have to take place with all the special precautions required by the State and the Archdiocese, but they are happening. Just call the parish office (892-1511) to make arrangements
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS : We have started celebrating the First Holy Communions. Because we cannot have big groups of people, we are having small groups of the children receive their First Communion at each Mass. I feel bad that they cannot have the big solemn celebration, but the important thing is that they are receiving Jesus! Congratulations to all our First Communion children!
CONFIRMATIONS: We are right now working out plans to confirm our teens in small groups during the months of June and July. Information will follow!
MASS INTENTIONS: We are accepting Mass intentions for upcoming Masses. To have a Mass offered for a special intention, just call the parish office. They can also arrange to have you sent a Mass card that you can send on to others.
HOW TO GO TO MASS:
1. Weekday Mass - just show up. Saturday evening and Sunday Mass - make a reservation by calling the parish office (892-1511) or go to stanm.org or use the parish app.
2. Wear a mask.
3. Be prepared to receive Communion in the hand.
MASS TIMES : it's our normal schedule with one exception - 12:30 pm Sunday Mass is now moved to 1 pm.
CONFESSION TIMES: Monday through Friday - 5 pm, Saturday - 2:30 pm
You need to be in the church at those times if you wish to confess. When the last penitent in line has confessed, the priest will not wait around: he will go home!
HOLINESS TIP for Making Prayers of Petition More Effective....Seek spiritual healingSpiritual healing occurs through contrition, confession, and the continual struggle that comes with the desire for holiness. It’s useless to ask God for favors while spitting in his face living in a state of sin. Spiritual healing leads to emotional and physical healing as well. (1 Jn. 3:21-22)
WE ARE IN THE MONTH OF MAY - PRAY THE ROSARY EVERY DAY!
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE:
I stepped on my scale this morning. It said: "Please practice social distancing. Only one person at a time on the scale."
Not to brag, but I haven't been late to anything in over 8 weeks.
OUR PRAYER FOR THE DAY: by St. Philip Neri, who we celebrate today...
Mary, I love you.
Mary, make me live in God, with God, and for God.
Draw me after you, holy mother.
O Mary, may your children persevere in loving you.
Mary, Mother of God and mother of mercy, pray for me and for the departed.
Mary, Holy Mother of God, be our helper.
In every difficulty and distress, come to our aid, O Mary. O Queen of Heaven, lead us to eternal life with God.
Mother of God, remember me, and help me always to remember you.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray to Jesus for me.
I send you my fatherly blessing, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen !
Msgr. Doug Raun
Greetings in the Risen Lord!
TREASURES FROM THE QUARANTINE: The Treasure of Gratitude
The lockdown made people more aware of who and what they love. In the rush of life, it’s easy to take people, things, and activities for granted. But when people slowed down long enough to live in the present, they realized who and what they value.
God increased the capacity for gratitude as many realized how many blessings they already had—and their source. Every “good and perfect gift” is from our loving Father in heaven (James 1:17). The Bible says, “Be thankful,” and it’s a wonderful way to live.
Because of COVID-19, people became more thankful for things and opportunities they’d often failed to appreciate before: churches and church activities, sports and sporting events, restaurants, lunch meet-ups with friends, school concerts, well-stocked grocery stores, shopping malls, the splendor of nature beyond our own back yards, vacations, and so much more.
After being cooped up so long, we all have a new appreciation of the value of freedom.
Make a list of the things you’re grateful for, and review it daily to develop a more thankful attitude. Intentionally make more time for people. Resolve not to let anything crowd out valuable time with those you love. Plan an affordable, relaxing vacation. Schedule time at least once a month to enjoy God’s creation. When shopping, do so with a grateful heart. Celebrate America’s freedoms, and stand with those who protect our freedom. Thank God in all circumstances!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1)
Dawn Wilson Crosswalk.com
TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY: I have just come from our parish church, where the ordination as Deacon of our parishioner, Jordan Sanchez, took place. It was an ordination like none other that I have seen - everyone, including the Archbishop, wearing masks and social distancing! But it was a valid and joyful ordination, none the less! Our congratulations to Deacon Jordan! God willing, next year we will be celebrating his ordination as a priest!
LIFE GOES ON: Yes, we are having baptisms, weddings and funerals. Of course they have to take place with all the special precautions required by the State and the Archdiocese, but they are happening. Just call the parish office (892-1511) to make arrangements
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS : We have started celebrating the First Holy Communions. Because we cannot have big groups of people, we are having small groups of the children receive their First Communion at each Mass. I feel bad that they cannot have the big solemn celebration, but the important thing is that they are receiving Jesus! Congratulations to all our First Communion children!
CONFIRMATIONS: We are right now working out plans to confirm our teens in small groups during the months of June and July. Information will follow!
MASS INTENTIONS: We are accepting Mass intentions for upcoming Masses. To have a Mass offered for a special intention, just call the parish office. They can also arrange to have you sent a Mass card that you can send on to others.
HOW TO GO TO MASS:
1. Weekday Mass - just show up. Saturday evening and Sunday Mass - make a reservation by calling the parish office (892-1511) or go to stanm.org or use the parish app.
2. Wear a mask.
3. Be prepared to receive Communion in the hand.
MASS TIMES : it's our normal schedule with one exception - 12:30 pm Sunday Mass is now moved to 1 pm.
CONFESSION TIMES: Monday through Friday - 5 pm, Saturday - 2:30 pm
You need to be in the church at those times if you wish to confess. When the last penitent in line has confessed, the priest will not wait around: he will go home!
HOLINESS TIP for Making Prayers of Petition More Effective....Seek spiritual healingSpiritual healing occurs through contrition, confession, and the continual struggle that comes with the desire for holiness. It’s useless to ask God for favors while spitting in his face living in a state of sin. Spiritual healing leads to emotional and physical healing as well. (1 Jn. 3:21-22)
WE ARE IN THE MONTH OF MAY - PRAY THE ROSARY EVERY DAY!
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE:
I stepped on my scale this morning. It said: "Please practice social distancing. Only one person at a time on the scale."
Not to brag, but I haven't been late to anything in over 8 weeks.
OUR PRAYER FOR THE DAY: by St. Philip Neri, who we celebrate today...
Mary, I love you.
Mary, make me live in God, with God, and for God.
Draw me after you, holy mother.
O Mary, may your children persevere in loving you.
Mary, Mother of God and mother of mercy, pray for me and for the departed.
Mary, Holy Mother of God, be our helper.
In every difficulty and distress, come to our aid, O Mary. O Queen of Heaven, lead us to eternal life with God.
Mother of God, remember me, and help me always to remember you.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray to Jesus for me.
I send you my fatherly blessing, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen !
Msgr. Doug Raun
Posted in Daily Memo from Msgr. Raun
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