Mother's Day!

Dear Parishioners,

I wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers this weekend.

Having lost my mother over a year ago at the age of 90, I still miss seeing her and hearing her voice. She and I became very close over the years as I was her oldest and only unmarried child. I had time to visit her at home (usually weekly), to vacation with her and to act as her "social director" during the many years she was able to travel. We would go out to dinner, go to the movies, go to the beach, and attend various theater performances, etc. for the many years after my dad passed (in 1995).   

For most people there is a special bond between mother and child. Our mothers carry us in their wombs for nine months. They endure the pangs of birth. They feed us, bathe us, clean up after us, teach us, comfort us, caress us and, most importantly, love us.

How often they are willing to sacrifice for us!

Thanks moms for your strength, patience and ability to make things better by your calming and reassuring presence. Whenever we take you for granted or forget what you have done for us over the years, we apologize. You deserve better from us.

We love you!

For those who have lost their earthly mothers like me, please remember to pray for them and have Masses offered for them. Our faith teaches us, whether they are in purgatory or in heaven, they can pray for us! Let’s aid them in getting to heaven by offering our prayers, Masses and sacrifices for them. 

In addition to our biological (or adoptive) mothers, I think that it is also important to remember to honor our Spiritual Mother as well. Our Blessed Lady should play an essential role in the lives of Catholics and indeed all Christians. She was given to us as our mother through St. John at the foot of the cross: 

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.  (John 19: 26-27)

We honor Our Lady as our Queen and Mother. After First Holy Communion last week, we crowned her at the 11 AM Mass. We pray that she will continue to intercede for her children here on earth and we place our confident hope and trust in her.

We need to ask her continually to pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Pray her Rosary and meditate upon the mysteries of our faith. You can also choose to wear a Miraculous Medal, Brown Scapular or some other outward sign of commitment/consecration to her care and protection. We desire to share eternity with her and her Son Jesus in His Heavenly reign.

Whether biological, adoptive or spiritual, Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers! 

Thanks for loving us!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor