May 05, 2024

Dear Parishioners,

As we start the month of May, Mary’s month, I can’t help but notice the presence of the Blessed Mother in our readings this Sunday. But wait, you say, Mary is never mentioned once in any of the three readings! Settle down, my friend. Mary doesn’t need to be explicitly mentioned in the text. Her influence is clear. 

            Mary spent her time living with the apostles after the Resurrection. Surely she would have told Peter and the others about Jesus’ earlier life. Surely, wise woman and mother that she was, she would have given advice to Peter and the others.

            Peter’s decision to baptize Cornelius, a pagan, was prompted by Mary. Peter’s initial reaction was to not bring Cornelius into the Church, since he was uncircumcised. But just like my mom told me as a child to never exclude anyone and to invite over even some of the not-so-popular classmates, Peter would have been told by Mary to be welcoming and kind. 

          John, the author of both our second reading and the Gospel, took Mary into his home. They lived together in Ephesus before Mary’s passing. John writes, "Remain in my love...this is my commandment, love one another as I love you...it was not you who chose me, but I who chose you" (Jn 15:9-17). Also: "everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God...God sent his only son into the world so that we might have life through him" (1 Jn 4:7-10). Sounds very motherly to me. 

           Mary was chosen by God to not only give birth to Jesus, but to play a significant role in the church and in all the lives of Christians.  The apostles would not have done what they did–the Church would not have become what it became–had Mary not been present. She really was the queen.

           I find myself turning to Mary all the time. When I’m struggling over a difficult decision, I go to the chapel, close my eyes, and put myself in Mary’s presence. She usually takes away the pressure that I’m putting on myself ‘to get it right’ and then the answer comes, along with the strength to do it. When I feel I’m losing my joy and my life is becoming too routine, too mechanical, I again turn to Mary. Her son said, “May my joy be in you and may your joy be complete.” Mary helps me receive that joy. And there are many other examples of how Mary helps me. 

            She wants to help you. If you can let her into your life, she will influence you. Then we will see her influence over the Church as the early Christians saw it.

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This Sunday, being the first of the month, is Donut Sunday and New Parishioner Sign-Up. Please stop by the gym after the 9am and 10:30am Masses. We’ll also be entertained with the Boy Scout Pinewood Derby.

            As I did last year, I’ve written reflections on Mary for the month of May in the bulletin each week. The entire, completed document can also be found online.

            There will be a Wednesday morning scripture seminar this week, May 8th in the Holy Family Chapel. Everyone is invited to join, even if it is your first time. Coffee and treats are served.

            This Wednesday evening is the final Walking With Purpose women’s spiritual group until the fall. Last Monday evening was the final That Man is You men’s spiritual group session until the fall. I want to thank all the men and women who participated in these faith groups, and I especially want to thank Will Gohl and Megan McLaughlin for leading these groups.

            This Friday, May 10th from 7-8pm in the upper church we will be hosting Friday Night Lights. This is an evening of Eucharistic Adoration and music. Teens from our CRUX group will be in attendance, but everyone in the parish is welcome to join us.

            A special congratulations to our seminarian Lee Noel, who will be ordained a deacon this Friday, May 10th back in Wyoming, his diocese. We look forward to having Lee back with us in the fall and assisting as a seminarian-deacon, the way Deacon Martin Nyberg assisted this year. (Deacon Nyberg’s ordination to the priesthood is Saturday, May 18th.)

            On Saturday, May 11th we have our second round of First Communion, with one Mass at 10am and the second Mass at 1pm. Congratulations to our First Communicants. We are very happy for you and proud of you.

            Please be sure to reach out to the parish office to obtain your free copy of a book on the Blessed Mother: Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary by Dr. Brant Pitre. 

            There will be a parish May Crowning, which will include a talk on Mary and other prayers, on Monday, May 28th at 9:30am and 6:30pm.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. James Wallace