Friends:

In an address dated March 16, 2009, our Holy Father, Benedict XVI, stated:

“…to encourage priests in this striving for spiritual perfection on which, above all, the effectiveness of their ministry depends, I have decided to establish a special “Year for Priests” that will begin on 19 June and last until 19 June 2010. In fact, it is the 150th anniversary of the death of the Holy Curé d’Ars, John Mary Vianney, a true example of a pastor at the service of Christ’s flock. It will be the task of the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy, in agreement with the diocesan Bishops and with the superiors of religious institutes to promote and to coordinate the various spiritual and pastoral initiatives that seem useful for making the importance of the priest’s role and mission in the Church and in contemporary society ever more clearly perceived.”

Back in the ’60’s, when the church was getting ready for the Second Vatican Council, we held several meetings in our Major Seminary. At one point, we were discussing who the most poor and forgotten were among God’s People. I’ll never forget when Fr. Joe McClain, C.M., raised his hand and said to all of us: “Let us not forget priests. Priests are one of the most forgotten groups in the Church.” After more than 50 years, I still remember what he said. As a priest, I tried to always be conscious of my responsibility to “serve other priests”.

This “Year for Priests” is dear to my heart and I hope that it will be so for all of you. It is part and parcel of Vincentian spirituality. As you know, here in our Parish, we will begin this special year with a Holy Hour tomorrow night, Thursday, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We will pray for priests! Even if you can be with us for only a few minutes, join us in our Prayer for Priests.

Thank you!

Jack Kane, C.M.

Homily: Feast the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi): June 14, 2090

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The Year for Priests

Fr. Kane calls our attention to the Year for Priests which begins June 19, 2009 and ends June 19, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI called for the special year to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, who was famed for his priestly ministry.

Cardinal Hummes offers his reflections on this Year for Priests at the Independent Catholic News Site.

Priests, just like all other Christians, need the love and support of the community – the church – to succeed in living the call of Christian life. On Thursday evening, June 18, the Prayer ministry will be sponsoring a our of prayer and exposition from 7-8pm in the church to begin this year long celebration. Come and pray with us – for a few minutes, or the entire hour.

Baptism of Andrew Tim Tran

At the 10:00 a.m. Mass on June 7, ANDREW TIM TRAN, son of PHUOC T. TRAN and TIENT BUI was be baptized into the Catholic Church. Although the Mass was celebrated in English, the Baptism ceremony was in Vietnamese. Deacon Joseph H. Phung, from St. Bede’s in Montgomery, performed the baptism.

After the Mass, the Parish congratulated this young couple in the Hall with a Reception.

Homily: Pentecost 2009

Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2009. This may be difficult to hear at times as this homily is the shared reflections of the community at the 11:15 am mass.

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