May 3-4, 2025
Dear parishioners,
With First Communion happening this weekend, be sure to say some prayers for the kiddos receiving the Eucharist for the first time. This weekend, they are a model for all of us; they have studied diligently and practiced attentively for this day! Their joy and excitement should make us reflect on the tremendous gift of Christ’s real presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Their study models for us how we should always seek to grow in our understanding of the Catholic faith, and their preparation models for us how we should prepare our minds and hearts every time we come to Mass to receive the Eucharist ourselves. Their formal attire is a reminder to all of us not to treat the Sacrament casually, and not to take it for granted. Their innocence as they approach the altar this weekend is a reminder of Jesus’ response when his disciples asked him who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven: “And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven’” (Mt. 18:2-4). We turn to the Lord with heartfelt trust that he is able to provide for us all the graces we need to be sustained in whatever is going on in our lives. We celebrate with the children and their families as they encounter Jesus in a whole new way today.
I would like to offer a word of thanks to all those who in any way helped to prepare for our Holy Week and Easter liturgies. There were many individuals who gave their time and effort to make sure everything was beautiful and edifying for the most sacred liturgical days of the year. Know that I appreciate all of the work you put into ensuring the events went smoothly!
Thanks also to all those who helped make our Divine Mercy Sunday devotions run smoothly! Because I was hearing confessions, I obviously was not able to check how many people attended. But, based on the fact that all three confessionals were being used up until the devotions started at 3:00 (plus a few confessions after the devotions), I would say that it was fairly well attended. Special thanks to Fr. Tony Batt and Fr. Tom Hunyor for taking time to be with us and to hear confessions that afternoon!
As you know, Eric Kaufman and Kevin McGraw are two of the three seminarians that we have supported over recent years through our 2nd collection for seminarians, which takes place every 5th Sunday of the month. Eric and Kevin have always been very gracious in sending thank you notes for these donations. Additionally, Eric has regularly provided us with written updates as he progressed through his formation. I am happy to make you aware that they will be ordained priests on Saturday, May 24th, at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo. The ordination Mass will begin at 10:00 that morning. All are certainly welcome to attend this Mass. Please note that you will want to arrive early at the cathedral because this is often a crowded Mass! If you attend, you will also have a chance to congratulate them at a light reception following the Mass. It has not been announced which parishes they will be assigned to after their ordination, since Bishop Thomas will reveal that information to them immediately following the Mass. Please join me in praying for these two men as they make their final preparation for ordination!
Blessings,
Fr. Ammanniti
