Pastor’s Post (Page 24)

May I extend to you greetings for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! May the difficulties of the past be few and the joys for the future be many. Happy New Year!

We have a very welcoming and active parish here at Our Lady of Victory. And that is only possible because of all of you – your concern, care and love of your parish and Church. I wish to say THANK YOU to all who have shared their time and talent throughout the year. There are those who serve through the liturgy; those who serve our children; those who care for the beauty of the Church and its cleanliness; those who…

Merry Christmas!   We celebrate the Birth of the Prince of Peace.  It is a day when it seem like all the world can let go of its hostilities, its problems and troubles and experience the peace of the new born Savior.   My prayer for you is that the peace we celebrate will enliven your hearts to feel the joy of the season;  the hope that we celebrate will lead you into a fulfilling future; and the love we celebrate will…

Just a simple word of thanks to all who made our Anniversary celebration so beautiful and meaningful. Our Mass was beautiful and inspiring. Bishop Bambera delivered and excellent and moving message to all present. Our Traditional Choir, as usual, added such beautiful music before and during the Mass. We thank the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus for being the honor guard for the Bishop. And a Thank You to all who helped in any way at the Mass: ushers, greeters, readers, ministers, servers offertory procession and the participants of the event. As to the…

What a great event! Over two hundred people came out last Sunday to our Anniversary Celebration BBQ. There was delicious foods, enjoyable conversations, good music, fun games, and a great time had by all. Thank You to Steven and Karen Miller who were the chairpersons for the BBQ and their many workers and volunteers who helped and did so much. The planning, organizing, setting up, cooking, serving and cleaning were done to perfection. Thank you BBQ team for a job well done. And thank You to all who came out to celebrate…

Our Annual Homecoming Bazaar has come to another successful conclusion. A little rain during the week and on Friday night dampened the activities a bit, but it didn’t hurt the spirit of all who came out. I just want to take this moment to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all who did so much to make our Bazaar a successful parish activity. Our general chairpersons, the Brosnan Family, and the general chairperson from all the sections of the…

We complain in the winter, it’s too cold.  we complain in the summer, it’s too hot.  I think we just like to complain.  Jesus hears our complaints.  He hears our requests.  He hears our joys.  And he responds to what he hears.  Maybe a feeling of peace in one’s heart;  maybe an inspirational thought; maybe someone coming up to us and offering some help or a suggestion.  But also He comes to us as a community of believers.  And that…

As I write this, school is about to finish for this year and the CCD (Religious Education) program has completed.  Unfortunately, that also seems to be the time when many of the children seem to disappear from Mass.  Many of those smiling faces, the hand slaps and the little hugs are not there every Sunday.  The Children coming to Mass is not only their obligation, but more so,  it is sometimes the vitality of the Church.  Their presence ensures a…

Starting the first weekend in June (June 3rd), we will implement our new Mass schedule.  The Saturday evening Mass will remain at 5:00 pm.   But the Sunday schedule will now be 8:30am  &  10:30 am.  We have reduced the number of Masses as the attendance had been dropping.   Our Church holds 700 people in the main area of the Church, and, if necessary, an additional 100-150 in the chapel and upper meeting room, both opening into the Church.   So there…

This may has been a little different this year weather wise:  hot – cold – warm – and very rainy. But that’s just the weather and we adapt to whatever happens. But’s its also the month of Mary — Mother of Jesus, our Blessed Mother.  Every Friday in May (and then every First Friday of the month until October) we gather to say the Rosary at the Shrine of the Blessed Mother and Rosary Garden. We come together at 6:00pm…

Hopefully, Spring is here to stay and the days start getting warmer. With that, the flowers begin to bloom.  The trees turn green.  And our thoughts are to the great outdoors.  It’s a time of new life — new beginnings.  It is also a time of spiritual renewal.  As we change to our warm weather activities, make sure that the Lord is part of them.  Mass on Sundays is not complete if you are not there.  That empty seat changes…

I just wish to express my thanks for your support and generosity in our Easter collection. This year’s collection totaled $14,550.00. Like any parish, the collection at the holidays helps tremendously in making up what the regular Sunday donations can’t cover. Thank You and God Bless You for your love and support of your parish.