Dear Parishioners,
I was very sorry to hear of the death of Sister Florence Symes last week. Sister had been an important part of the life of OLV for many years. The parish benefitted from her service beginning in 1967 when she was the 8th grade teacher in OLV School. In subse- quent years Sister also served as the Director of Faith Formation. Many can recall her mission service trips with young people to David, Kentucky. Sister also served the par- ish as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a lector, a member of the Min- istry of Consolation, and a member of the Rosary Altar Society. She also led a Bible Study and was a faithful presence at Sunday and Daily Mass. I was happy to meet her when I came to OLV in 2014. Sister retired to the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood in March 2015. In recent years Sister struggled with her memory and didn’t always recognize her faithful visitors from OLV.
We will have a Memorial Mass in her honor at a later date. May she receive the reward of her service and her goodness and her almost 70 years as a Sister of St. Joseph.
Rest in Peace Sister Florence
Memorial Day
On this day we remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives for our country. We are free today because of what they were willing to defend. Their loss caused great anguish and heartache for their families. Regrettably, their number continues to increase in our own day. May those Gold Star families always hear the words “On behalf of a grateful nation…” echo in their hearts.
Please join with me in prayer for all military personnel who have died in the service of our country, and their families, by watching our parish Mass on YouTube or FaceBook on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th.
Re-Opening
I am writing this letter on Thursday morning. As of now the Diocese has not issued any directive about the return to the celebration of the Sacraments. As soon as I hear from them I will get the word out via our website and social media.
Returning people to the Sacraments is my biggest concern right now. Pray that it will be sooner rather than later!
Catholic Communications Campaign
The annual collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign was scheduled as the second collection for this weekend. One of the things we learned from this experi- ence of the pandemic is the importance of having television available as a resource when our access to churches have been re- stricted. This is the collection that helps make religious programming happen – and many people have been helped through these days by being able to watch Mass on television and make a spiritual communion. Thank you for your support!
Praised be the name of Jesus Christ now and forever!
Fr. Tom