Dear Parishioners,

 

I participated in two important events last week. The first one I would call inspiring. Fr. Andrew Hoover, former parochial vicar, was installed as the pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Parma last Saturday. He has been the administrator of the parish for one year. He is now officially installed as pastor. Congratulations and let us keep him in our prayers as he continues to serve God’s people in Parma.

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The second event I would describe as alarming. Fr. Allen Hoffa of the Diocese of Allentown, PA, put on a workshop on the pervasiveness and harmful effects of Pornography. Gathering best practices from Integrity Restored and other reputable organizations, he accurately and with clinical precision described this scourge of our time and pointed to avenues of healing and hope. Fr. Hoffa gave us materials to educate and equip the people we serve.

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I am interested in developing a plan to educate and equip parents and students (in an age-appropriate manner) on this pervasive problem. I will be calling on some people to assist in the development of this plan. Please keep this in your prayers also.

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In addition to the Mass and sacraments, I am grateful for the many ways that our parishes offer programs to help people grow in their faith. When I stand at the pulpit at St. Peter Parish, I can read the scripture quote on the back arch: Simon, lovest thou Me? Feed My sheep. These programs are meant to feed and strengthen our walk with the Lord.

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Some programs that are on the immediate horizon include the one offered to Parents of Pre-K to Grade 2 video series overseen by Deacon Del and Niki Sherman (at St. Julie Parish), and the Bereavement Program (at St. Peter Parish). Please check this bulletin and the parish websites for more information.

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Other upcoming programs include the No Greater Love Book Study/Video Series, the repeat of the National Eucharistic Congress one day mini-retreat (March 22) and the three-week discussion study of the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter a Flourishing Apostolic Church (March/April).

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I have just mentioned some of the ways that we are spiritually fed in addition to the Eucharist. We need to remember that we are fed by the Lord so that we can live our faith robustly for the Lord. And one way we are called to do that is to participate in the Annual Catholic Charities Appeal. This is Appeal Weekend. Many of you have already made your pledge through the mail appeal that was conducted in late January/early February. THANK YOU! However, others have not made a pledge or given a gift. I ask you, as you are able, to support this campaign that assists so many others. Catholic Charities assists people with basic needs, mental health needs, people who are physically and developmentally handicapped, and even our student athletes through CYO. I encourage your generosity. Catholic Charities seeks to be the hands and feet of Christ, doing corporal works of mercy. More than simply giving a handout, they give a hand up, elevating the dignity of a human person.

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This week’s readings remind us of where we find true life: in the Lord. Apart from Christ, we are in a spiritual desert. With Christ, we are planted by the streams of grace. This means that we must seek the blessings that come from being humble, simple, hungry, and hidden. If we seek our comfort and reputation more than seeking to bless others, we will end up in a desert of woes. Let us seek the true blessings of Christ. Though they seem the opposite of what the world offers, they lead us to the Kingdom of God, where there is no fear of loss but only the fullness of joy.

 

In Christ,

Fr. Bob Franco