Letter from Father Gagné - GRATEFUL FOR GOD’S PROVIDENCE
Dear Parishioners,
I want to share some thoughts and reflections, as we approach the halfway mark in the diocesan Capital Campaign, ”Grateful for God’s Providence.”
I want to thank those who have already responded with a pledge or a one-time donation. Everyone will have an opportunity in the next few weeks to respond to this once in a generation appeal.
During this time, when the moral plague of sexual abuse, which is prevalent through out society, has deeply wounded our church, and caused much pain, suffering and shame among her members. As in every epidemic, action, not words are needed now to bring about the healing remedy that is needed.
As in every epidemic through out history, the church did not run away or abandon those who were suffering. The church has always responded to those who are suffering. The church cannot just condemn sin or the sinner, but after the example of Christ, must offer forgiveness, mercy and hope to every one. It is only the gospel response that will bring about the changes that are needed in our church.
Through prayer and fasting we will, with God’s help, end this moral plague, not only in our church, but through out society. I have included the Memorare, and the prayer to St. Michel the Archangel, in this week’s bulletin. I challenge all of us to say these prayers daily.
“We need to be sober and alert, for your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion is prowling around seeking someone to devour, we must resist him steadfast in our faith.”
Now is the time for the members of Christ’s body, the church, to come together in prayer and support. This is a time to challenge the leaders of our church to leads us through this dark valley, and after the example of Christ the Good Shepherd, to lead us beside restful waters, to revive our drooping spirits.
As we prepare for the future, we need to think of what the future would be like with out the church. For me, it is too horrible to imagine. Now is the time to wake from sleep, this is the acceptable time.
May Our Lady, Mother of the Church, guide and protect us as we continue to build on Peter’s confession of faith. As we celebrate our 85th anniversary as a parish this October 3rd, let us pray that the jaws of death and the gates of hell will not prevail against us.
You have remembrance in all my prayers, and I ask for your prayers also. May God who has begun the good work in us, see it to completion.
Father Gagné
Pastor
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