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.

Augyst 10, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

I will be largely absent the next few weekends. This afternoon I will drive to Massachusetts to visit a cousin preparing for marriage later this month. On Tuesday I will arrive at Eastern Point Retreat House in Gloucester, Massachusetts for a week of silent retreat that will end on Wednesday, August 20^th. I will return for a few days to celebrate a wedding here and then return to Massachusetts for the cousin’s wedding on Sunday, August 24. More travelling than I am accustomed to, but as the saying goes, “all good stuff.”

Many of you know I usually go to Gloucester in the winter, but this opportunity for an 8-day retreat came suddenly. The retreat house had a cancellation and notified me I could be part of this August retreat. I have never been to Gloucester in the summer and look forward very much to these days. After the death of my brother and beginning my 15^th year as pastor of St. Anne’s, I think this week of prayer, reflection, and silence with the beauty of all the natural surroundings at the retreat house will offer me a very positive experience. I will pray for all at St. Anne’s and I ask for your continued prayers. Thank you for your support.

TODAY’S READINGS

The three scripture passages we hear today are rather complex. The first two readings begin with references to faith. From the first reading of the Book of Wisdom faith is related to courage. The middle reading from Hebrews begins: “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” The reading then goes on to speak of Abraham, sometimes referred to as our “father in faith.”

The gospel offers a parable from Jesus, a central theme of which is preparation. Preparation for an unknown hour and an unexpected arrival is the direction of the parable. Jesus concludes his explanation with words of expectation: “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

Other parables such as the Good Samaritan have unmistakable lessons for us. Today’s parable requires more discernment on our part. Today’s parable raises the importance of preparation for the difficult and painful struggles that are a part of every human life. Sometimes these difficult experiences come suddenly and surprise us. Sometimes they are long term experiences such as extended illness. Death of a loved one is a painful experience for all. Often when hardship comes into our lives we turn to the Lord. And to the Lord we bring our faith. Our faith brings perspective when hardship and struggle come. Faith offers a perspective beyond the immediate condition that burdens us. Faith brings us the company of the Lord when we feel alone. Faith brings us the promise of new life when death becomes imminent. Faith’s first cousin of hope allows us to deal with disappointment and not fall into despair.

Maybe we have said (or heard others say): “I couldn’t imagine (some experience) without my faith.” Faith is a great preparation for all that life might bring our way.

SOLEMNITY OF MARY’S ASSUMPTION

Friday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We celebrate this day Mary’s eternal life in heaven where she enjoys the company of her Son and all the saints and angels. Our faith permits us to believe and hope that one day we too will enjoy the gift of heaven. Hope and anticipation are some of the great benefits of faith.

Enjoy a peaceful week!

Fr. Tom

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