Homily, August 17, 2025
From The Pastor
While on vacation, rather than reprint an article from a previous year, I thought I would review with you several items of interest in our parish life.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that one of our parishioners needs a kidney transplant. Michele Waskowski is actively looking for a compatible donor to revive her kidney function. This is a perfect opportunity for us to reach out and make a difference for someone in our community in need. I trust by now you have seen the flyer for this appeal. Please add your prayer support for Michelle in this effort. If you are personally able and willing to donate, please follow the information on the flyer sheet. If it seems appropriate, by word of mouth, you may interest a compatible person in this possibility.
On another topic, you must know by now that St. Justin parish is now closed. The closing Mass was Saturday, July 19th. St. Mary Magdalene remains open as an active parish and worship site. Please pray for this time of transition for the community of St. Justin. They have been merged for some time, but the closing of a parish is always a loss. Please pray that most will join the St. Mary Magalene community or an active parish of their choice. It is essential that we pray and support the continued faith of those in this kind of transition.
At St. Vincent Ferrer, I am noticing a significant decrease in the number of Mass intentions. This typically means there are fewer people asking for personal Mass intentions. Two points of interest. Mass intentions are a source of income for the parish. Personal Mass intentions ask for a ten-dollar donation. Much more important is the powerful impact of grace received in this manner. To offer a Mass for the intention of another gains the grace of the power of our redemption for the person prayed for. Most often intentions are for those who have died, the ill, or another kind of need. Mass intentions should be specific rather than generic, but a wide range of personal or spiritual needs can be effectively petitioned through the sacrifice of the Mass. One might pray for world peace, justice, an end to war, or other social ills. There is no more powerful offering than the sacrifice of the Mass. Although it is not necessary, it is even more personal to attend the Mass of your intention.
This further gives me the opportunity to invite and encourage a greater participation at our weekday Masses, Monday through Thursday. On a fuller day, there can be as many as thirty or so at Mass. On less well attended days, there are as few as seven or eight. The weekday Mass group is an essential and powerful part of every parish. Those who make it a practice to attend daily Mass are not only blest in their personal faith and devotion to God, they are also praying for the rest of the parish and the larger Church. I hope this little nudge may encourage or inspire you. Your presence, prayer, and participation help strengthen parish life as well as to bring the grace of Christ more fully into the world. Please consider the opportunity. We begin at 8am and are rarely over forty-five minutes. Let God make your day!
On Tuesdays, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place for about an hour. To be honest, there are usually five or six faithful ladies who remain for this prayer. In a parish with as many retired people as we have, I want to encourage you to consider the impact this practice could have on your faith experience. Further, your prayer for the active and critical concerns in our country and many other nations around the world is sorely needed.
On Thursdays, the Rosary is said after the conclusion of Mass. As you well know, the Rosary through the intercession of the Blessed Mother is powerful, having been prayed across the generations in times of social, political, moral, and economic need. Please add your voice and your heart to this faith building opportunity of prayer.
Hoping the summer is a blessing for you as we give God thanks for the goodness of creation, the beauty of the earth, and the grace of vacation time. Wherever you are, God is present. Make gratitude a ready and regular part of your daily prayer.
God bless you all,
Father John Esper
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