Good News from the Pastor's Desk:
Thanking is New Way of Knowing God
Dear Family,
God is good! All the time! As I reflect upon the Bishop's
visit to our parish, I can't help but be profoundly grateful for being
a part of the community of Santa Maria del Mar. The installation
ceremony was a homily on last Sunday's readings. Even though I have
been here for just a brief time, all of you have expressed such great love.
The unity and beauty of our community have made a change in my heart--thanks
to you, I am learning the depths of the mystery of gratitude. In
my moments of intimacy with God, all I can say is thank you, thank you,
thank you for the people of Santa Maria del Mar! Saint Basil the
Great wrote that "We should not accept in silence the goodness of God,
but return thanks for them." Inspired by this prayer, I would like
to share with you a litany of thanks:
To my mother, Anna, for her love and her strength; to Bishop Victor,
for his inspiring words and pastoral presence; to Father Jeff, for being
such a great mentor; to my brother priests, Fathers Noel, Ignatius
and Slawomir, for making time to be with us; to Deacons Mike and John,
for their friendship and support; to our altar servers, for their dedicated
and enthusiastic service at God's table; to the Knights of Columbus, for
their dignified presence and their work at the reception; to the
parish staff, for being so hard-working and loving.
A number of individuals worked together to ensure the smooth operation
of both the mass and the reception, and so, in recognition of their love
and hard work, I would like to express my gratitude to Lois Ambrosia, Jim
& Jeanne Anderson, Anne Arato, John & Karen Bulman, Ray & Nita
Derois, Luis Fernandez, Ken Goeres, Ron & Claudia Hamaty, Mary Lou
Pape, Cindy Ser, Rich Smull, Ron & Judy Yankowki, E. Y. & Sharon
Walter, and Don & Linda White.
Blessed Julian of Norwich said that "thanking is new, inward knowing."
As we thank God for all the gifts we have received, I pray that we will
continue to know the Lord Jesus in new, surprising, and wondrous ways!
Have a beautiful week, filled with...
Peace and Joy,
Father Al
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