For the last year, Catholics have observed a Year of Consecrated Life to draw attention to the special vocation of living one's life in community according to the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. The year concludes on February 2nd. I thought that I would mention this one more time since many consecrated men and women have worked in the ministries of this parish (and the other parishes before the merger). Bro Phil and Fr. Jeremy attended a special mass at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral last Sunday which highlighted the presence and contributions of all the communities of consecrated life in the Archdiocese.
These are the words of the official prayer; I think it captures the spirit of consecrated life and is worthwhile to keep before us:
"O God, throughout the ages you have called women and men to pursue lives of perfect charity through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. During this Year of Consecrated Life, we give you thanks for these courageous witnesses of Faith and models of inspiration. Their pursuit of holy lives teaches us to make a more perfect offering of ourselves to you. Continue to enrich your Church by calling forth sons and daughters who, having found the pearl of great price, treasure the Kingdom of Heaven above all things. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
At the pastoral council meeting last Monday I summarized the findings of our in-pew survey from last November. Next week I will begin sharing these results with you in a series of bulletin articles. We will offer the blessing of throats next weekend after all the masses for those who would like it. The blessing will be part of the daily noon mass on February 3rd as well.