Dear Friends,

We have shared the importance of mental health with our community at Masses, through resources, and by providing counseling, among other support. Bishop John Dolan, through his own personal family experiences, has led our Diocese to become the first to have an Office of Mental Health through the Diocese. Last Sunday, the Bishop presided at the annual Mass of Remembrance for those who have died by suicide. We have the Mass on video and are sharing it with the parish community. There are many Catholics who need some good pastoral guidance on what our faith teaches about those who take their own lives. We know more about the human brain, mental health, and what people struggle with now, more than ever before. This new understanding reminds us that God is with us, even when we face difficult things in our lives. I invite you to listen to Bishop Dolan’s homily, as it is powerful and can be supportive and helpful to those who have lost loved ones through suicide. Bishop Dolan speaks from personal experience, and I hope parishioners can share the video with loved ones and those who need support. Click below to view the Mass of Remembrance.

LAST SUNDAY’S HOMILY- We introduced our theme for this year, MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PEACE. Pope Leo has named this year as the Jubilee year of St. Francis of Assisi. After reflection, our staff leadership chose this theme, as we think this is exactly what our world needs right now, and we can be that instrument to others. My homily lays out the path and examples of St. Francis of Assisi's spirituality, as well as presenting his very well-known prayer, the Prayer of St. Francis. Click below to listen to the homily. See you this weekend.