Saint Andrew the Apostle - Weekend Message

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VBS 2012

Blitz for Haiti

Web & Communications Support

Men's Bible Study

S.A.M.S. & MOMS Friendship Fiesta

The Empty Tomb

Catholicism Project

Haiti Outreach

Dear People of St. Andrew the Apostle:

We are reminded in the Gospel today that Jesus has appointed us to go forth and to bear “much fruit”. What is the “fruit” that Jesus, the vine, is asking us, the branches, to produce in His name? Some examples are:

A heart renewed
A life full of love, joy, patience, peace, goodness and kindness
A faith that is lived through using our gifts, talents, and strengths to benefit others, especially the world’s poor
A life full of relationships that are wholesome, uplifting, holy and loving
A conscience that leads us to do good and avoid evil, and finds expression in connecting with our neighbor – those we can see and those we don’t see – to promote their full human development.

Read more of Fr. John's Weekend Letter! - Click Here

Later this month, on May 30, I will turn 65. While some might be wondering if I will retire, the retirement age for priests is 70. So if health holds out, we will be together another five years or more. But as I turn 65, my thoughts go to the aging process and what it means both in terms of celebration and in terms of challenge.

I remember growing up that the years after 65 were referred to as the “golden years”. While I think they may be, the reality is that they are also filled with physical challenges: pain where I didn’t even realize there could be pain, slowing of movement, forgetfulness, and a dizzying array of new illnesses. Our bodies were not meant to live forever.

As I reflect on my own aging process, I am beginning to realize that I need to concentrate more on my spiritual side because that is the part of me that will live on when the body finally gives out. And so comes today’s gospel: what fruit have I produced thus far in my life, and what fruit can I yet produce in my priesthood?

As our Parish Council has been listening to people over the past few months, one thing that has become very apparent is that many people do not feel “connected” to the parish community. They feel alone and isolated, and wonder if there is a place for them in the parish community. One goal would be to produce the kind of fruit that leads to a community that is concerned about one another, involved in each other’s issues, connected to one another, and can call each other by name when we gather to worship, to study, to socialize, or to minister.

The Orphanage in Haiti provides another significant opportunity for us to touch the lives of children with little or no hope and to help to provide them a future where they can develop their human potential and become active contributors to their society. This and other opportunities like it are the kind of “fruit” I would hope to contribute in my latter years of priesthood.

They say that a maple leaf is a great picture of aging – because it turns golden, red, or brown at the ends of its life. Maybe these years are golden after all if lived in communion with Christ.

Weekend Presider Schedule

6th Sunday of Easter

Saturday 5:00pm Mass
Fr. John Coleman

Sunday 7:30am Mass
Fr. Joe Hennessy

Sunday 9:00am Mass
Fr. Rick McGuire

Sunday 11:00am Mass
Fr. John Coleman

Sunday 5:30pm Mass
Fr. John Coleman

Interested in Ministry?

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Are you interested in learning more about the various ministries we have at St. Andrew the Apostle? Do you have a gift or talent that you could share with our community?
Learn More - Click Here!