header_email
facebook youtube website 
September 10, 2021

Pastor’s Corner

+JMJ+
Dear Friends,
Peace is defined as a freedom from disturbance; tranquility. It could also be defined as a period in which there is no war. Yet, this really only scratches the surface of the real meaning of peace. In John's Gospel, Jesus speaks of peace that He gives. " Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid" (Jn 14:27). There is a distinction here that ought to be recognized. The peace that Jesus gives is different from that of our worldly definition. Notice what He says to the disciples at the end of this verse - "Do not let you hearts be troubled or afraid".

The peace of Christ, therefore, is not the absence of fear or conflict. It seems that Jesus eludes to that fact at the end of this verse... "do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid" ... In other words, do not let worldly anxiety, conflicts, difficulties, and so on, sink so deep in our hearts that it steals away our interior rest. We could then, perhaps, define the peace of Christ as a calmness of soul, interior tranquility. It has nothing to do with conflict, war, or disturbance that comes from the world or from outside forces. This is the presence of God within our hearts that settles the mind and heart and grounds us in love and trust. This is, as noted, an interior calmness of soul.

And it is this peace that is exchanged at Mass. For obvious reasons, we have not had the "Sign of Peace" since the onset of the COVID pandemic. Bishop Byrne has given permission for this practice to resume in our parishes but I have yet to bring it back. The reason for which is two-fold. First, because some folks have still been a bit nervous about shaking hands and germs. Second, because we, as a Catholic community, lack a proper understanding of the meaning of the Sign of Peace. Next week, I will expound a bit on this practice within the Sacrifice of the Mass in anticipation of reinstating it in our parish in due time. Stay tuned...
God Bless you!
Fr. Jon
013 - Corpus Christi 1200

Highlight Our Faith

Finding Deep Peace With Jesus in Prayer (4:58)

Parish News

CCD Registrations were recently sent in the mail. If you have not received a form and need/want to register your child for CCD please call or stop by the office. CCD begins on September 26th for all grades.
There will be a Craft Fair meeting on Wednesday September 29th at 6:30pm in the parish hall.
Fr. Frank's next presentation will take place on Thursday September 23rd at 6:30pm in the parish hall. The topic is on "Catholic Dating." All are welcome!
Reminder: in addition to Wednesday, the church is open all week for anyone to come and pray (parking lot door is left unlocked everyday from 6am-6pm).
Altar Servers are NEEDED!! There will be a training for new servers on Wednesday September 15th at 7pm in church. Please call the office for more info. We are in great need of new servers! Adults and kids welcome!
Men's Night Out: Fr. Jon and Fr. Frank invite the men of the parish to the rectory for a cookout. Bring your own drinks. Food and water provided. September 16th 5:30pm. Please call to RSVP.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is every Wednesday at 12pm, concluding with Benediction at 6pm.
Confessions are offered on Wednesdays at 5pm; Saturdays at 3pm and by appointment with Fr. Jon or Fr. Frank.
There is no new Coffee with FJ, but if you didn't catch the last episode, see below:

Support Holy Family

when you shop at Amazon with Amazon Smile!
Click the image below to set Holy Family as your charity!

Amazon Smile Banner
coffee-w-FJ-logo-1200
Watch the latest: Episode 40
See the Youtube channel for more episodes.
HF_Header
Holy Family Roman Catholic Church
facebook youtube website 
MailPoet