My dear friends,
This weekend Carlos Germosen will be offering a reflection after Holy Communion at the 8:00am Sunday Mass and after every other Mass will share some words of farewell. He completes his Pastoral Year here at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and will return this August to St. Joseph’s Seminary for his last two years of studies and formation before, God-willing, ordination as a priest. Please take some time after the Masses to wish Carlos well.
Such a year as this is intended to give Carlos as much of an experience of parish life and diocesan priesthood to assist in the discernment of his vocation, and please God, to solidify the priesthood for him. It is also an opportunity for the Church to get a sense of the “future Fr. Carlos Germosen” and to aid in his future formation. I thank all the members of Carlos’ Lay Advisory Board and other parishioners and staff for all you did to help in this process this year and for the feedback you have given to the seminary. I think we witnessed that when we pour out our lives in the parish for love of God and His People, wonderful blessing come about through the hand of the Lord Jesus for all involved. This Thursday, July 15th, after the 9:00 AM Mass, we will hold a send-off for Carlos in the lower Church with bagels, donuts, coffee and juice. Please come to wish him well! Carlos, may the Lord Jesus continue to lead you to the priesthood and know that you always have a home here at IHM!
Consider joining in the Rosary Rally at noon today (Saturday). Know of my spiritual union with you at that time (I will be attending a Diaconate Ordination in the Diocese of Brooklyn).
Such good news to see that our Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal is so close to goal! Thank you to all who have generously participated. For those who have not had an opportunity to do so, I encourage 25 households to join us and prayerfully consider donating $200 to this worthy cause for the support of future priests, struggling parishes, evangelization, COVID-19 relief, retired priests and charitable outreach.
Have a blessed Sunday!