Fr. Tom’s Letters

Each week Fr. Tom writes a letter to parishioners in our bulletin. Every letter is comprehensive, including current information about the Parish, an explanation of Scripture for that Sunday, and an invitation to become more engaged in the life of the parish.

January 16, 2022

Dear Parishioners,

SIBLINGS ON A COLD JANUARY MORNING–

WHY WE HAVE A PARISH SCHOOL

Wednesday morning, after I celebrated the 7:30AM Mass, I walked through the main floor of the school. In front of me were two students, an upper grade boy and a primary grade girl. They actually were a seventh grader and a kindergarten student. The boy was a few paces ahead of the girl, both of them with backpacks on their shoulders. The boy stopped and waited for the little girl to catch up to him. When she did, he grasped her by the hand and she easily welcomed his company. Clearly, they were brother and sister. I congratulated him on being “a good older brother.” They proceeded down the hallway until they arrived at the kindergarten classroom of Mrs. Crimmins. The young seventh grader kissed his sister on the forehead and sent her into her classroom. I congratulated him again on his goodness to his little sister. It was more than cute. It was a beautiful experience to observe on a very cold January morning. It again reaffirmed for me why as a parish why we put so much effort and resources into our parish school.

The previous morning, Tuesday, we had the funeral Mass for Mr. Robert E. McCarthy, the father of Deacon Bob McCarthy. Mr. McCarthy was truly an inspiration for his two children and six grandchildren. Deacon Bob’s mom passed away two years ago. The liturgy began with Deacon McCarthy offering words of remembrance to honor his dad. His words spoke of two most important elements of his dad’s life, his faith and his family. How striking it was when Deacon McCarthy began his tribute to his dad with words of gratitude, love, and appreciation for his sister Joyceann and her family for their devotion to Mr. McCarthy. Deacon Bob spoke as a brother and son of his deep respect and gratitude for both his dad and his sister. His words were truly heartfelt and loving. We were all moved.

Sibling love is such an important gift to many of us. Observing sibling love between two young siblings walking to school and hearing it spoken by a grieving brother for his sister makes clear the importance of sibling relationships Thank you to the two young students and to the McCarthys for their wonderful example of sibling love.

We talk a lot about family and parents and kids. Our sibling relationships are among the most formative in our lives. Sometimes siblings are friends for life. Other times, for all sorts of circumstances, siblings may become distant. Scripture offers many stories of siblings. On the tragic side, from Genesis, we hear of Cain and Abel. In the gospels we hear of Matthew, Mary, and Lazarus. There are may beautiful sibling relationships at St. Anne’s. We are blessed by your presence.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Tom

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