- What a memorable and rewarding experience it was!!
“I tell you, whenever you did this for the least of my people, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40
In the spirit of this verse from Matthew’s Gospel, I am honored to share with you a short reflection about our Mission Trip to Jamaica. As most of you know last week Monday to Sunday, sixteen of us worked in Blessed Assurance, Montego Bay with the Mustard Seed Communities, helping to care for children with mild to severe physical and mental disabilities. The number of kids in Blessed Assurance tripled since last year which gave us plenty of opportunities to feed, bathe, change the diapers or just interact with those beautiful children.
We had a chance to do some heavy labor as well. In the severe heat, up to 90F, we were putting a cement sidewalk that connects dorms with a community building, digging a trench around the property and doing some outdoor painting.
The whole week in Jamaica was an eye-opening experience for all of us. I am sure that everybody came away with a broader perspective of the world and the kind of needs out there. I am also sure that all of us came back with that sense of joy that is part of serving in the name of Jesus and a renewed commitment to living a life of service. It was actually harder to leave than it was to be there.
Thank you all for your prayers and support!
Fr. Luke
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Major feasts bring out talents - April 19, 2009
Major feasts bring out the many talents in a community. Our light shines the brightest when it matters the most. I am very grateful for so many people who come forward to offer their time and talent to make this past Holy Week such a great experience. Perhaps the current economic downturn added a special dimension to this year’s observation. So many people today are experiencing the cross with foreclosures, job loss, diminished 401ks, and the other stresses of life. Yet as we come together to pray we sense the power of our God to call us beyond our darkness, and isolation. There was a deep sense of community evident here during this past week. People seemed to pray with greater fervor, people were friendlier at the doors of the church and vocal in their words of affirmation.
I am grateful to the environment committee, the choir, our liturgical ministers, our greeters and to so many who give of themselves for our benefit. We enter now into the Easter season where we celebrate First Communion and Confirmation. May these sacramental moments lead us to be a community that evangelizes and brings people closer to Christ. I pray that our young children not only celebrate First Communion, but many regular communion besides. I pray that our Confirmation students be guided by the Holy Spirit to practice their faith on a regular basis. During the Easter season may a vibrant spirit be brought to all we do.
Fr. Bob Hawkins
I am grateful to the environment committee, the choir, our liturgical ministers, our greeters and to so many who give of themselves for our benefit. We enter now into the Easter season where we celebrate First Communion and Confirmation. May these sacramental moments lead us to be a community that evangelizes and brings people closer to Christ. I pray that our young children not only celebrate First Communion, but many regular communion besides. I pray that our Confirmation students be guided by the Holy Spirit to practice their faith on a regular basis. During the Easter season may a vibrant spirit be brought to all we do.
Fr. Bob Hawkins
