Christ is risen!
He is risen, indeed!
Congratulations Graduates!
Endings and new beginnings happen everywhere this time of year. Chapters close and new ones are opened. Congratulations to our graduates from High School – from public school, private school, home school, and from Benedictine and St. Vincent’s Academy! A job well done! Congratulations to all of our college graduates as well!
Congratulations also to our St. James 8th Graders who will be moving to high school this year. Be assured of our continued prayers and support. Though your time at the school has come to an end this week, your time at St. James does not! Your faith continues and your home to strengthen that faith and live out your relationship with Jesus is here at our parish! I look forward to seeing you here and involved in everything going on here at St. James.
Congratulations to each of you! I wish you all the best as your life unfolds before you!
Today we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord into heaven. He left us a command to evangelize, to bring the Gospel to every person on earth, to every person we meet. As you go forth from school, bring Jesus with you. If you want assistance in doing that, please let us know! We are here to assist you. As Catholics, we are charged with preaching the Gospel of Jesus and helping others have a strong relationship with Him.
We cannot give what we do not have. So, we ask that question: do I have a relationship with Jesus? Do I have a relationship strengthened at Holy Mass and in Holy Communion and personal prayer? How can I ask others to have a relationship with Him if mine is shaky or shallow?
These are questions for us all! Each of us needs that relationship with Almighty God strengthened and deepened. There is always room for growth. We never end getting to know and love God more. When this happens we serve Him and our neighbor even more and experience the abundant life God wants for us. Living as an involved parishioner at St. James is a way to do this, a school of discipleship. We assist one another in our growth so that we can be better disciples and evangelize all those we encounter.
Happy Easter! May the Hope and Joy of the Risen Lord Jesus fill your soul and your homes this Easter Season!
~ Fr. Daniel Firmin