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Our Moment Has Arrived

Every generation has something that defines them. A moment when we will need to rise to the occasion. I can’t help but feel that moment has arrived. I’m speaking to everyone, all generations – teens, young adults, and those a little older.

In a world that seems to have lost its moral compass in so many ways, the world needs people of faith to step up. To be Christ in the world, no matter the personal consequences. I know, easier said than done. We can feel helpless, anxious, scared. It is in these moments though that God gives us what we most need...courage. Often times that courage comes in the form of our own faith community. The weight of it all is a little lighter when we stand tall together.

St. Rita Parish has always shown the way in this regard. But God’s work is never easy and it is never done. We must not get fatigued in our moment. There are critical needs within our community and many current ministries offer opportunities to live out our faith. If you are not already active in one of our ministries, please consider engaging in one now. If you have questions or are not sure where you are most needed, please feel to contact me and I am sure we can find the perfect fit! Perhaps an easy start is to simply invite someone to come to Church with you.

Lastly, let us pray for hearts courageous enough to face our fears, to extend mercy and compassion to those most in need of God’s unconditional love. And if you need a Bible reference or two to really bring this point home, The Beatitudes and the Good Samaritan provide a great foundation.

Thank for listening!

Much love,
~Deacon Jim

Hope, Pilgrimage, and Jubilee

Over the Jubilee Year,  we will explore the themes of Hope, Pilgrimage, and Jubilee, always ending with a question for you to consider over the week. 

Today we hear about ‘a great crowd of His disciples and a large number of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon.’ People journeyed to hear what Jesus had to say, in a sort of pilgrimage. And what they heard – the beatitudes – has the potential to change their lives. Our jubilee pilgrimage, if it includes Jesus as the destination, has the same potential.

Pondering Point

Imagine journeying to hear a celebrity, only to find out it was the Son of God who would save the world!

February 15 - 16 Blessing of Artists

Heavenly Father, you have created a beautiful world for us to live in. Bless the artists with inspiration to give you praise through their works. May their works and creations inspire those who experience the beauty to see your glory.

Eucharistic Communion and Seeing Those in Need

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that receiving the Eucharist “commits us to the poor” (1397). Why is this so?

Receiving the Eucharist means that we enter into union with the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. And being in Holy Communion with Jesus himself means something profound. Let’s consider one facet of this great mystery.

The Eucharist is Jesus himself. He is the Eternal Word, living in Trinitarian communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit. But out of love for us, in order to save us from sin and death, the beloved Son of the Father chose to take upon himself a radical poverty: the weakness of the human condition of his beloved creatures.

Continue reading this article by Dr. James Pauley here.