My Dear friends and parishioners of Holy Family,
Now that the Church has celebrated some of the Greatest feasts of the year (that is Easter, Pentecost, Holy Trinity and Corpus Christi), the Church moves into Ordinary Time and Summer, where many feel that there is nothing extraordinary to address and might feel it is time to “slack” from our Church responsibilities. Oh… I am always a bit fearful that after these great Church celebrations, many might get lazy since there appears that there is nothing big coming around the bend.
Let me put into perspective what these celebrations were all about. These recent “Spring” celebrations are not leading us into a “Summer” Vacation from the Church, but are there specifically drawing us to a greater understanding of how important our faith and relationship with God is all about. When you think about it, and put them together, briefly: Easter is the celebration of our salvation and the Son-ship of Jesus Christ. Pentecost gives us a greater awareness of the many consistent long lasting gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity is a big reminder to us of the great Love God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) has for His children. And the Feast of Corpus Christi is the big reminder to us that we can be and are sustained by the Eucharistic gift that Christ has bestowed upon us for all eternity.
So as you approach Ordinary time and the Summer season of rest, we have just experienced the encouragement that is expected to lead us through the ups and downs of “ordinary time”, that is life, and to not forget what truly makes up our faith. We have experienced the celebrations and now we are given the opportunity to live that celebration out through our lives.
On June 18, the Diocese of Orlando celebrates its 50th year of existence with a special Mass at St. James Cathedral at 12:15 and an Interfaith Prayer Service at 6:30 pm at the Cathedral, as well. This is a golden opportunity to begin a Summer journey of faith. May God grace your Summer with the riches of our faith.
Very Rev. John C. Giel, V.G.,
Pastor
