The Pastor's Desk

This past Wednesday St. Jude Church celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation where our young men and women received the sealing in of the Holy Spirit with its gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Fortitude, Counsel, Piety, and fear of the Lord. This sacrament places a characteristic mark upon one’s soul and enables one to truly be strengthened to live a life of integrity, knowing right from wrong, and becoming more and more transformed to Christ. Yes, one becomes anointed with the Chrism oil and now shares in the priesthood of Jesus Christ which begins for all the baptized Catholics.

I want to thank Bishop Andrzej Zglejszewski for celebrating this austere and sacred moment with us. His words of encouragement to our youth was inspiring and uplifting, giving them the courage and confidence to not be afraid of living out their new life in the Spirit. In today’s world our young men and women seem to have so many conflicting and contrary views that can go against living a moral and upright life. Bishop Andrzej truly enlightened us all and made us realize the Holy Spirit is going to guide each of us as long as we open ourselves to God.

Congratulations to all of the young men and women who received the sealing of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of Confirmation!

As most of you are aware our statue of Mary on the corner of Neighborhood Rd. was in grave need of repair. It had been there since 1972 and after all these years had weathered so much that it really needed to be replaced. I want to thank an anonymous parishioner for donating the new statue which will be placed on a new pedestal this week. We will have a blessing ceremony at the May Crowning in May. I want to thank the couple who made this possible! Also, I would like to thank our parishioner Mr. Joe Sidaris who did all the cement and brick work for Mary. Joe’s company, Sidaris Concrete has done all our cement/sidewalk/ and Shrine paths here at St. Jude Church. Thank you Joe and your wonderful team of workers!

We are forever blessed for having Msgr. John Heinlein a part of our lives for so many years. He touched all of us in so many ways. His gentle, kind, and loving presence made each of us not only feel good but, I think, changed us in perhaps looking at ourselves and recognize that we too should be kind, caring, patient, and loving toward others. Msgr. John was a holy man who was a true witness of the Gospel. We can be assured that he is now in the peace and light of God’s Kingdom. May he forever dwell with all the holy ones and saints in heaven. Thank you, Msgr. John for all you did for me and our St. Jude family!

St. Jude, pray for us ~                                                  

Blessings, 

Fr. Ryan