Dear Fellow Parishioners, Twelve weeks ago, we began a homily series on the “Fruits of the Holy Spirit.” We did so for two reasons; Pope Fransis asked all communities of faith to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those who were assembling in Rome for the Synod on Synodality. As a parish we faithfully prayed the Synod prayer together each weekend, and we prayed daily at Mass during the sessions of the gathering. The second reason we focused on the Fruits of the Spirit is because the world right now is certainly not the way God says it ought to be. We need to refresh our memories of how we who have received the Holy Spirit need to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Each week in “Father Bill’s Briefs” I gave a deeper reflection on how we can exhibit the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is difficult to remember all twelve of them: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity. I keep reminding myself of the words of St. Paul, “The greatest of these is LOVE!” I remind myself each morning when I begin my day, that I want people to know that I am a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ by my words and actions. Since I can never remember all twelve, I try to focus my words and actions through the filter of love. I keep trying to make sure that I am doing the loving thing. It isn’t easy to be loving in all instances, especially when someone hurts us, or offends us. I often want to strike back and forget to turn the other cheek, walk the extra mile, and love my enemies, pray for those who harm my reputation, and seek harm. Being around people who are also trying to radiate the presence of Christ and striving to make the world the place God says it ought to be really helps. That is why being part of a Christian community of like believers really helps us to make a difference in the world we live. How important it is for me to have my Emmaus group, priests that gather monthly to support each other of the faith journey. I am also pleased to be on the weekly journey with the Men of Hope who gather on Zoom each Saturday morning. The willingness to talk about the challenges we face in living our faith helps us all to be focused on discipleship. I am hoping that together we can exude, radiate, and display the Fruits of the Holy Spirit and stive together as the Catholic Community of Sacred Heart to make to world the place God says it ought to be! Together we can make a difference! Fr. Bill