Letter from the Pastor
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May 2, 2021One of my favorite months of the year is May. May is a very special month for all sorts of family religious events. This is usually the month for First Holy Communions, May Crowning, weddings, ordinations, proms, graduations, and of course Mother’s Day. All the beauty of spring is in full color and glory, the weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining longer, the flowers and the trees show forth their beauty. We spend this month full of the joy of Easter and waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Yesterday, we celebrated our first of four First Holy Communion Masses for the Class of 2021. We are still cautious as to the number of children receiving their Lord for the first time and their families attending. We are praying that next year, we can go back to the pre-pandemic way.
I always invite the children and their families to come dressed up the following day, so you can see how your prayers are answered and to congratulate them. Everyone remembers their First Holy Communion Day. May we recapture the love and fervor for receiving the Lord in the Eucharist, as we did on our day.
Today at the 1:30 PM Mass, I will welcome back for the first time since last year, my friends, the Lourdes Kids of Rockland to the Special Needs Mass. We offer the Mass for anyone with special needs on the first Sunday of the month at 1:30 PM. After Mass, usually we have a fun time down in Toner Hall. However, because of the Corona Virus, we can’t socialize just yet.
But soon!!
Our parish is blessed to be able to have Mass for our special needs children and adults, and to be the home Parish for the Lourdes Kids. For two years now, we were not able to get to France, and we all miss the experience of bringing the children on their pilgrimage to our Blessed Lady. Please God, may we be able to go next Easter.
I also welcome back all the caring adults and the teenagers who help us very diligently, as well. It is wonderful to witness the love of their Moms and Dads. I often marvel at what the power of love can do in the life of people.
May is also Mary’s month and it seems that all of nature rejoices with Mary, Queen of Heaven at the Resurrection of her Son. Since the 18th century May was dedicated to Mary, and ever since the medieval period, the rose, “the queen of flowers” symbolized our Blessed Mother.
May our Blessed Lady, under her mantle of love, protect us; keep us and our loved ones free from illness and all evil.
Enjoy the beautiful month of May.
