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.

June 13, 2021

Dear Parishioners,

Now that the second half of June is upon us, summer plans are well underway. In last week’s bulletin I described two special prayer events for the Feast of Saint Anne (July 25-26) and the Solemnity of the Assumption (August 15). Both are Sundays. We would like to assemble small groups of people in places throughout the parish to pray the Rosary together at 9:30AM, after the 8:30 Mass. For this prayer event to work, we need some family/individual volunteers. Please contact me at tharold@drvc.org if you would like to assist. I hope these simple experiences of prayer would add a reverent element to the celebration of our parish feast day and the day we honor the Blessed Mother.

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ST. FRANCIS MINISTRY CENTER

The delays in our construction have been very frustrating, but we hope that we are on the verge of significant progress. The building of the modular sections was delayed by material shortages. Lumber for doors and moldings was in short supply. In addition, complications in the trucking/delivery industry have impacted our delivery schedule. We are confident that transportation permits for wide loads to cross bridges can now be secured for the 21 modular sections of our building. Arrival is scheduled to begin Monday, June 21 and transportation of the sections should be concluded prior to the July 4^th weekend. I certainly hope this schedule is maintained. We are hopeful that when we resume our full calendar of parish activities in the fall, the St. Francis Ministry Center will be fully operational. Thank you for your patience and continued generosity in meeting your pledge payments.

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SUNDAY READINGS

We have great readings for today. All have a message of encouragement as we move forward approaching a post-pandemic time. The first reading from Ezekiel speaks of new growth. The image is that a cedar branch cut off from a mighty tree and replanted. The branch will grow and have a majesty of its own. The approaching time of renewed health, vitality, and energy will give us opportunities of new growth. I pray that our parish will have the vision that leads us into new blessings and graces as we emerge from the darkness and restrictions of the pandemic.

The second reading from St. Paul includes his statement, “we walk by faith, not by sight.” This quote has been chosen by my good friend Bishop-elect Msgr. William Koenig as he prepares for his episcopal ordination as the new bishop of Wilmington, Delaware. Many times in our lives, we move forward by the light and direction of our faith. Those with faith are able to see more than just what the eye sees. We walk by faith and not by sight as individual persons. So too as a community, we must walk by faith and not by sight. I pray that our parish walks by faith in a spirit of renewal and rebirth in the early days of post-pandemic time.

The gospel returns to the first reading’s theme of growth. Remember when you met a young person whom you hadn’t seen for a while, a year or several months, and you realize how much they have grown. That kind of growth occurs from infant months through teenage years. Growth occurs speedily. We don’t see it happening, but all of a sudden we recognize change and growth have occurred. Jesus is suggesting that’s how the Kingdom of God works. It is an experience of growth. I pray that the Kingdom of God continues to grow in our midst.

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GRADUATION

We celebrated graduation on Saturday for our most recent St. Anne alumni. Some have been in the school for 11 years from Nursery through eighth grade. Incredible, how they have grown. They have grown in their faith, their intelligence, their relationships, their sense of responsibility, and in so many other ways. They came as three and four year olds, perhaps excited about going to school for the first time, saddened about being away from mom and dad. They graduate with a sense of God, themselves, a respect for others, and an affection for St. Anne’s. I have seen their strong friendships. Their moms and dads have much pride in them. Congratulations Class of 2021 and I hope we continue to see you often in the years ahead. God bless you and your families.

Peace be with you all!

Fr. Tom

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