Dear brothers and sisters in Jesus our Lord,
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your continued love and support of our parish. Your generosity strengthens our mission and enables the Church to remain present and active in the lives of all parishioners through every possible means. I also wish to thank all those who faithfully volunteer their time and talents in ministry, administration, finance, and maintenance. Your dedication is invaluable, and your service is deeply appreciated.
During the month of May, we continue to celebrate the Season of the Resurrection, reflecting on the risen Lord and His appearances to His disciples. We will observe the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday, May 14, a significant moment that leads us toward the great celebration of Pentecost ten days later.
On Sunday, May 3, immediately following the Divine Liturgy, our choir members and their families will host a special presentation in the church hall. They will share highlights from their participation last December in Handel’s Messiah at Carnegie Hall in New York, including a DVD from the event. We are proud of our choir’s accomplishments and warmly invite anyone interested in joining to become part of this wonderful ministry.
We extend sincere thanks to our Youth and MYO Committee for organizing the elegant Mother’s Day High Tea on Saturday, May 9. This beautifully prepared five-course gathering is a meaningful way to honor the mothers of our community, whose love and sacrifices are a true blessing. Our gratitude also goes to our Faith Formation teachers, Nikki Abbott and Michelle Kloncz, for preparing our children—ages 8 and in second grade—to receive their First Holy Communion. This special celebration will take place on Sunday, May 17, at Holy Family Church. Following the ceremony, the Church ladies will host a breakfast and cake reception in support of our Faith Formation programs. We thank all who are committed to forming our children in faith, including preparation for the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. These programs serve children ages 6 through 12 and are vital to the life of our parish.
The month of May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. All are encouraged to deepen their devotion through the daily recitation of the Rosary and the Angelus at noon. The Holy Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet are prayed weekly at church during Thursday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 6:00 PM and before Sunday Liturgy at 9:40 AM.
The first Sunday of May, May 3, is dedicated in the Maronite tradition to Our Lady of Lebanon. On this day, we pray for peace and security in the United States, for the preservation of Christian values, and for peace in Lebanon, the Holy Land, and throughout the Middle East, especially for an end to violence against innocent lives. On Sunday, May 10, we offer prayers for all mothers, asking the Lord to bless them with health and wisdom as they guide future generations in faith and virtue.
The Feast of the Ascension on May 14 reminds us of a central truth of our faith, proclaimed in the Creed: that the Lord ascended into Heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again in glory. In the Gospel of Matthew (28:16–20), we hear the Lord’s final command to His disciples—the Great Commission—calling them to go forth, make disciples of all nations, baptize, and teach. In these words, Christ entrusts the Church with its mission for all time.
May this blessed season bring peace, health, and grace to you and your families.
With prayers and blessings,
Father Emmanuel, Pastor +
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