27th sunday in ordinary time

​As we begin this new month, there is no shortage of people and things to pray for.  In a special way, in this month dedicated to our Blessed Mother Mary and the Rosary, we have a most powerful tool at our fingertips and an intercessor we can turn to who will take our prayers and petitions to her son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
 
Sacramental wise, it has been busy at our parish.  Since reopening after the most current shutdown, Deacon Brian, Deacon George and myself have had the honour of celebrating multiple baptisms each month.  In the Rite of Baptism, I always pause when I ask the parents, “Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?” This means raising this beautiful child entrusted them in the faith.  We need to pray for the parents of these children, the first formators of the faith, and these precious little ones.
 
This weekend we welcome our Confirmation candidates and their families from our parish to our 5:00 p.m. Mass.  I met with these youth from our parish and their parents a week ago, discussing the beauty of this Sacrament and the power of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit they will receive this November.  We need to pray for these youth, as this is an important year for them in their faith journey.
 
This past week I met with the seven-year-old children from our parish family and their parents as they prepare to encounter Christ in the Sacrament of Reconciliation this fall and First Communion next April at Easter.  May the joy in the eyes of these children and the excitement of receiving Jesus for the first time – and we pray 1000’s of times after, set the faith of their parents on fire – or reignite the faith if that may be the case.  We need to pray for these children and their families.
 
This weekend in our Gospel the spotlight is on the Sacrament of Marriage.  I will say, we have had a steady flow of marriages at our parish this year.  I remind every couple that I have the honour of witnessing their marriage that I am here to ensure that they have a beautiful wedding day, though I am more interested in preparing them for a lifetime together.  As I am reminded, a wedding is just a day – a marriage is a lifetime.  We need to pray that more couples long to get married, in the church, and to have their union – a covenant – blessed by God.  This is what they need, a solid foundation to build their lives upon, with God at the center.
 
We need to pray for those who are sick.  May their encounter with Christ in the Sacrament of the Anointing of Sick bring them comfort, strength, help, healing, and peace.
 
And last but not least, we need to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and diaconate, and that more young men desire to encounter Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Orders.  All of the above is only possible with their “yes.”
 
Come Holy Spirit!  Blessed Mother, please intercede for us.  Loving God, hear these our prayers.
 
May God continue to bless each of you and those that you love, and I look forward to seeing you at Mass this weekend.
 
Fr. Greg