My dear friends,
Please offer a prayer for one of Immaculate Heart of Mary’s parishioners as he makes his Simple Profession tomorrow, on the Solemnity of the Assumption, as a Dominican Friar of the (Eastern) Province of St. Joseph. We give thanks to God Father, Son and Holy Spirit for Brother John Finbar Mary Kantor, his family and this next step he is taking in his formation - Congratulations!
There are many signs of a parish bearing the fruit of God’s grace that is given to us in Baptism, Confirmation, Confession and at Mass, such as good and holy marriages, couples preparing rightly and chastely for the Sacrament of Marriage, young people practicing their faith by both coming to Mass and witnessing to virtue in their schools, concern for human life in all its stages and concrete charity to assist all in need, regular Confessions, and all who concretely live out Christian faith, hope and charity in the many professions there are.
Among such signs of fruitfulness, crucial ones that show a parish is seeking to grow in divine life is when all young people are open to the possibility of a Call from the Lord to Consecrated Religious Life or to the Priesthood, and that this prayerful consideration is supported by parents and families.
May those in our parish whom the Lord is calling to the Priesthood, Consecrated Life and Diaconate have the discernment, support and courage to explore this movement of grace in their lives!
As I mentioned this past week in a Flocknote, painting and replacement of the front rectory office carpets is very much needed, as well as a dedicated room for priests to meet with appointments. Since it would be wise for this work to be completed before Labor Day, the Rectory Offices will be closed from Monday, August 16th until 1:00pm on Monday, August 23rd. Know you can always call the Rectory (914-723-0276) in an emergency and we will assist you. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
I will be away for the next three weekends visiting family on vacation. (Thank you Fr. Rafferty and Fr. Thumma for covering for me!) It is a blessing to see my brother and sister-in-law after 19 months, and I look forward to time with some aunts, uncles and cousins. I hope that all of you will have, or have had this summer, a chance to visit loved ones and take some time for rest and renewal in mind, body and soul.
A blessed Sunday and Assumption!