Posted on May 7, 2017 View all news
Laudetur Jesus Christus! Gelobt sei Jesus Christus! Sia lodato Gesù Cristo! Praised be Jesus Christ!
The past few weeks have certainly been exciting times for our parish. During this 175th year of our existence, we are all certainly doing our best to leave Old St. Mary’s in better condition than we found it. Leaving it a viable parish for generations to come. Please be sure to pray for our parish each day, for the clergy, the parishioners, and the area. We truly have a special parish, but it is only with God’s grace that we do what we do and have what we have. So please say a prayer of gratitude each day, and also a prayer for our Lord to continue to be so generous with us!
One of the things that the priests who were visiting us for the Mass of Thanksgiving kept saying was how much like a family the whole atmosphere felt like. That there was something human and holy about what we are doing here in Cincinnati. I think that is a great testimony for our parish and how it is that we operate. We may come from different backgrounds, come from different languages and cultures, and may at times fight and argue; but at the end of the day, we do operate as a family and we remember why it is that we are here. We are ultimately part of God’s family, and we are all working to obtain eternal life. May we always keep a hold of that spirit because it is a part of what makes Old St. Mary’s, Old St. Mary’s!
On some practical points to keep in mind, if you know anyone who is interested in becoming Catholic, or learn more about the Faith, please contact Fr. Lawrence. He is already planning the next section of classes and would like to begin soon. You may contact him through the Parish Office.
Please note that there are only eight more spots left for our pilgrimage to Italy in November. There are currently sixteen people signed up, and I am allotting a total of 24 spots. So please get your reservation in sooner than later if you would like to join us. It should be a momentous trip to travel in the footsteps of St. Philip Neri. The Oratory Priests who were visiting with us for the Mass of Thanksgiving gave great tips and offered us their assistance to have access to otherwise inaccessible sites of St. Philip Neri.
This is just another reminder, but please make a note about these dates now. The big event is on July 3, the actual 175th Anniversary of our Parish. We will have Mass at 6:00 p.m. that evening, followed by a Parish reception. Our Children’s Catechism Week will be July 10-14. Our Parish picnic is schedule for July 23.
This coming Saturday, as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady at Fatima, may we always remember the primary message of Our Lady, that we are to turn toward her Son. Our Lord’s coming into human history has radically altered our universe. God has given us a second chance; and, in that, He has given us the ability to become like Himself. May we seize that opportunity each and every day through frequent reception of the Sacraments, through prayer, and through growth in virtue. Have a blessed week ahead!