Pastor’s Post (Page 16)

HOMECOMING BAZAAR – MINI-FESTIVAL was held last weekend. It was quite different from past bazaars due to the pandemic, its effects and after effects. But despite that, all was a success. THANK YOU to those who organized this parish event. Denise & Shawn Brosnan, our general chairpersons; Rocco & Gio Stigliano, food chairpersons and cooks; Marge & Andy McLean, Raffles; Megan Deleo, Sponsors; and many more who worked in different capacities to make this festival a huge success. I can’t…

In the opening verse of today’s Gospel, the Jews were complaining about Jesus. They didn’t seem to like what Jesus was saying. They didn’t want to accept who He was. We all do our fair share of complaining, and sometimes with good reason. We complain about the weather a great deal. We complain about all kinds of things. If we are not careful we can find ourselves complaining about nothing in particular, just complaining. We can easily get ourselves into…

People “hunger” for so many things in life. Some hunger for perfection, societal status, or even financial stability. Some hunger for excessive amounts of almost anything. Some hunger for only the delicacies and luxuries in life. Some hunger for so much food, just look around you and see this. Any of these “hungers” will satisfy us for the moment. But these hungers continue to gnaw at us and temp us away from what is truly important in our lives. Jesus…

How many people can you feed with two fish and five loaves of bread? Jesus fed five thousand. I believe generosity is contagious. Share a little something with another, whether that be a stranger, friend, neighbor or family, and watch what happens. It seems to spark something inside oneself. Whether that is from guilt, compassion, or a memory of someone helping you, that generosity becomes contagious and we want to do something for someone else. Multiply that just a few…

What is a leader? Is it someone who takes control of everyone and everything around them? Is it someone who wants and demands the respect and obedience of others? Is it someone who likes a title? In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the example of true leadership: The Good Shepherd. His leadership is rooted in peace, truth, goodness, compassion, righteousness, mercy, reconciliation, sacrifice and a never-ending love. He brings the scattered home. He shows the lost His way of love.…

What do you pack when you go on vacation? How about just a weekend trip? What do you take with you for a trip to the beach? After thinking about this, now go back and read today’s Gospel. Jesus is sending His disciples out into the world to proclaim the Good News to everyone. He told them, take nothing with you but a walking stick – no food, no sack, no money no second tunic. All they needed was Faith.…

A very sincere THANK YOU! We made our goal! Our Lady of Victory Parish always comes forward to help those in need. The Appeal money helps so many in so many ways. Again, THANK YOU for your generosity!

Today we celebrate Independence Day. As a nation we became an independent union. We have a Declaration of Independence that states that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. We will celebrate with cookouts, family gatherings, parties and just relaxing. But in the midst of however we celebrate, let us remember what Jesus has given us. He has given us the Life for which we seek…

What doesn’t cost anything, but is worth so very much? What can be given many times, and you never run out of? What can you give to others that makes you and the other person feel good. In all cases the answer is a compliment. Today’s Gospel talks about healing, the little girl back to life and the woman sick for many years now cured. I don’t think any of us can accomplish that kind of healing. But we can…

Happy Fathers Day to all our fathers. And we offer you this special prayer: We give our thanks, Heavenly Father, for the fathers in our lives. Fatherhood does not come with a manual, and reality teaches us that some fathers excel while others fail. We ask for Your blessings for them all and forgiveness where it is needed. This Father’s Day we remember the many sacrifices fathers make for their children and families, and the ways–both big and small–they lift…

Did you ever think about planting a seed of faith? Where would you plant it? Maybe in your children or in your parents. Maybe in your friends. Maybe even a stranger. What does that seed look like? Maybe it’s the words, “I’ll say a prayer for you.” Maybe it’s complimentary words when someone is down. Maybe it’s words of encouragement when someone is struggling. Maybe it’s just a conversation when someone is all alone. The mustard seed is the smallest…

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Faith. It brings Jesus into our lives through the consecrated bread and wine, now the Body & Blood of our Savior. Last weekend, we published a letter from Bishop Bambera inviting and welcoming people back to Mass. There is a video of that message on our website and also our facebook page. Today is the Feast of Corpus Christi – the Body & Blood of Jesus. It is this gift of…