Pope Francis is now laid to rest, and all eyes are on Rome as the Cardinals gather for the Conclave scheduled to begin on May 7th. I will be on my annual Priest’s retreat beginning Sunday afternoon May 4th through Friday May 9th. I’m thinking how interesting it will be with 30 of my brother priests as the conclave begins and hearing their thoughts, prayers, and concerns as the Cardinals gather. Each day before and during the conclave, Catholics throughout the world are asked to pray for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct the Cardinals in their discernment process. Here is the prayer of the universal Church we are asked to pray at this time:
O God, eternal shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care, grant in your boundless fatherly love a pastor for your Church who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Even though the “Chair of Peter” is vacant, the sacramental life of the Church, her ministries and mission continue. We welcome eleven young people to the table of the bread as they receive their First Communion this weekend. On May 15th Bishop McManus will confirm eight members of our community at Sacred Heart in Milford. Three couples from our parish are preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony.
As I reflect on our Sacramental life, I want to continue to open the doors for those couples who are in a civil marriage to consider having their Marriage blessed. I will be happy to help in the preparation process. At the same time, some may be in need of healing through the Annulment process. Healing broken relationships is so important. For any adults who are interested in becoming Catholic or have been baptized and wish make their First Communion and/or Confirmation should come forward to begin the process. The sacramental doors are wide open!
I wish to thank all of you who have expressed their support of me, and shared experiences of their own identity theft or scams. Right now, I have met 14 people who have had similar experiences. Later on this month we will offer a workshop after the weekend Masses to assist us all in being alert to future scams.