15th sunday in ordinary time

​Dear parishioners and friends of St. Julia Parish,
 
Yesterday I had the blessed opportunity to be able to attend a funeral, in person, at Our Lady of the Scapular Parish in Niagara Falls.  This church holds a special place in my heart for it was there where I spent my pastoral year in my formation for the priesthood.  At that time Msgr. Leo was the pastor, and he was a strong witness for me in his love for the people and his dedication to prayer.  I will never forget that.  While I was invited to concelebrate, all I wanted was to simply be in the pew, to be in that sacred place, to get on my knees in prayer, and to simply be still.  It felt good.
 
My desire is to lead each of us and those entrusted to my care to God, His son Jesus Christ, and to get us to heaven.  It is in the stillness where we come to know God, and through prayer communicate with Him.  There is no better place to do so than in church, our church of St. Julia.  Consider joining us for Mass a little earlier to offer your prayers of thanksgiving and blessings, and to offer and make known your petitions.  And to get on your knees in prayer, and to simply be still.  It will feel good.  Perhaps you have not been with us for some time, for the obvious, and perhaps not so obvious reasons.  I warmly welcome you home.  While we will continue to live stream our Masses, as we know there this no substitute for being in a sacred space, and to be fed by the Word of God and the Body of Christ, and to be together, as a community of believers.  Again, it feels good.
 
May God continue to bless each of you and those that you love, and I look forward to you joining me for the celebration of Mass this weekend.
 
Fr. Greg