Pastor's Message
For Sunday, Aug 2, 2020
Dear Saints-in-the-Making,
Joyful greetings in Christ Jesus the Lord,_
We have all heard of Christmas in July, but I wonder if we have ever heard of Thanksgiving in August. Likely not, as it isn’t really “a thing.” But it is now for me, as it came to me while I was reflecting on my short time so far here at St. Jude the Apostle Church. How grateful to God I am for being here at our parish, for the ability, because of God’s Grace, to bring you the Sacraments, and for the opportunity to serve as your Priest. I thank God for such a blessing.
Daily, I am made increasingly aware of the vast blessings God has bestowed upon me, unworthy though I am. Every parish where I have served as Priest has been filled with loving, welcoming, warm and faith-filled families and individuals, and St. Jude’s is no exception. Each time I bring the faithful to the Sacraments, my priestly heart is filled with joy to overflowing.
It will be most especially so during this month of August as our second grade religious education children will receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time on August 1, our adolescent Confirmandi will be confirmed on August 8 (ordinarily, the Bishop presides at Confirmation. He has generously delegated this faculty to pastors in the exceptional time of COVID so that the youth of our parish will not have to wait until next year for the Sacramental graces), and our RCIA elect will be welcomed fully into the Catholic Church on August 15. This is why I am celebrating Thanksgiving in August.
Please keep all those participating in these Sacraments especially in your prayers, so that they might celebrate with thanksgiving as well.
You are a blessing and a treasure to me. Thank God for you.
God bless and keep you always.
In Christ,
Fr. Lewis
Jesus must increase; I must decrease. John 3:30