Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for Us!

 The new Our Lady of Lourdes statue at St. Thomas More Church

Dear Parishioners,

As I began a new calendar year annually, I customarily entrusted and consecrated my parish family (wherever I have been pastor) to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Rather than waiting until the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on New Year’s Day, I have decided to make this consecration on the evening of August 15^th (the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary).  I give this parish and all of you, its parishioners, over to the loving care of the Mother of God.  I can think of no better way to begin my time as pastor here.

In addition, the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, now in the sanctuary, will be officially blessed.  My sincere thanks to all who made this statue possible.

Why not take the time to entrust your individual families to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s maternal care as well?  Parents, you can (and should) pray for your children and families at home daily.  Here is a prayer of consecration to help:

 

Prayer of Consecration of the Family

to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Oh, Mother Most Pure, we come to You as a family and consecrate ourselves to your most Immaculate Heart.

We come to You as a family and place our trust in Your powerful intercession.

Oh, Dearest Mother Mary, teach us as a mother teaches her children, for our souls are soiled and our prayers are weak because of our sinful hearts.

Here we are Dearest Mother, ready to respond to You and follow Your way, for Your way leads us to the heart of Your Son, Jesus.

We are ready to be cleansed and purified.

Come then Virgin Most Pure, and embrace us with Your motherly mantle.

Make our hearts whiter than snow and as pure as a spring of fresh water.

Teach us to pray, so that our prayers may become more beautiful than the singing of the birds at the break of dawn.

Dear Mother Mary, we entrust to Your Immaculate Heart of hearts, our family and our entire future.

Lead us all to our homeland which is Heaven.
Amen. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

My Masses and prayers are continually offered for your spiritual well-being.  Please remember me as well so that I have the graces necessary to live up to my responsibility as your pastor.

 Fr. Ed Namiotka,

Pastor