Pastor’s Letter: May 14, 2023

Pastor’s Letter: May 14, 2023

12 May 2023 | Posted by: chadmin

The May 14 bulletin is available online.

Dear friend,

Happy Mother’s Day! This day always gives us the opportunity to celebrate the women who nurtured into this world and throughout our lives. As we are all thankful for the gift of life, we are reminded of the role of our moms. While we all think about the goodness of our mothers much more than this annual Mother’s Day, it does give us the opportunity to show our deep appreciation and gratitude. Motherhood is truly the greatest mission in humanity. Without the role of mothers, life in the world would cease. Not only are we thankful for the gift of life, but the gift of love, compassion, example, and encouragement. I personally carry my mother with me in my priestly ministry as she taught me so much about people and relationships. I love my own mother deeply and I hope you get the opportunity to share some love with your own mother this weekend. And to all the mothers in our parish, Thank You! Please join me in thanking all our mothers this Sunday.

This Sunday, we read that Jesus said to his disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth.” The Advocate, or the Holy Spirit, is sent by God in order that God might be within us. God, the Holy Spirit, is the truth that guides us to understand the commandments and desire to live the Christian life. A life of prayer is a submission of one’s will to God’s Will that we might become more like God each day. May the Spirit we received at Baptism and Confirmation, not only remind us that He is always with us, but that we truly have an Advocate to help us in every life situation. May we deepen our love and thanksgiving for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

On May 24, I will celebrate 20 years as a priest and 17 years of service at St. Philomena on June 14. It is hard to believe how fast the years go. I had 5 classmates ordained with me on May 24, 2003. Fr. Luke Spannagel, who lives at St. Philomena and serves in the Heart of Peoria parishes, is also celebrating his anniversary. On May 13 we will have an open house after the 4:30pm Mass. For those who are able to stop by, and to those who are not, thank you for the support all these years. It’s been a true blessing for me to live and serve in the St. Philomena community. Giving First Communion to kids I baptized or watching them graduate from grade school, as well as witnessing the marriages of ones that went through our school, is a true unique blessing that only time provides. The blessings for me are countless. I am truly grateful to walk with the Lord and you all these years. Have a great week!

God bless,

Father David