The Catechism of the Catholic Church helps us to understand the practical implications of this weekend?s celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: ? THE CHURCH IS ONE because of her SOURCE: ?the highest exemplar and source of this mystery is the unity, in the Trinity of Persons, of one God, the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit [Vatican II, Decree on Ecumenism, 2].? The Church is one because of her FOUNDER: for ?the word made flesh, the prince of peace, reconciled all men to God by the cross . . . restoring the unity of all in one people and one body [Vatican II, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, 78].? The Church is one because of her ?SOUL?: ?It is the Holy Spirit, dwelling in those who believe and pervading and ruling over the entire Church, who brings about that wonderful communion of the faithful and joins them together so intimately in Christ that He is the principle of the Church?s unity [Vatican II, Decree on Ecumenism, 2].? Unity is of the essence of the Church? (813). A few paragraphs later the Catechism continues: ?The Lord?s missionary mandate is ultimately grounded in the eternal love of the Most Holy Trinity: ? THE CHURCH ON EARTH IS BY HER NATURE MISSIONARY since, according to the plan of the Father, she has as her origin the mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit [Vatican II, Decree on the Church?s Missionary Activity, 2].? The ultimate purpose of mission is none other than to make men share in the communion between the Father and the Son in their Spirit of love? (850).
Happy Father?s Day to all the men of our parish, especially those who have been called by Almighty God to the vocation of husband and father. ?God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect? ( Book of Blessings, 1733). Deacon Dodge and I will be away celebrating Father?s Day with our own fathers.
People have been asking me how things are going with the weight loss program the doctor?s put me on at the beginning of May. Because of the new ?interior plumbing? the surgeons fashioned within me through the surgeries of 2011, my diet was already greatly altered and I have been eating healthier than ever! That?s why the recent diagnosis of pre-diabetes and astronomically high triglycerides was so discouraging. Over the years I have tried various diet plans but none brought significant and lasting results. So beginning a modified version of the Mayo Clinic Diet did not inspire any confidence in me that it would succeed where others had failed. I am happy to have been proven wrong! In one month I have lost a total of 19 pounds on my way to the goal of 50! Hopefully the next check will show improvements in my blood sugar and cholesterol.
We are happy to welcome back to our parishes newly-published author Brother Michael Mandernach! This weekend he is selling copies of his book Together as Brothers: A History of the Brothers of Saint Pius X. Stop by to congratulate him on his excellent book and pick up your own copy autographed by the author himself!
Congratulations to the Elmwood Knights of Columbus council as this weekend we bless the newly-erected 10 Commandments monument on the parish grounds. It is a beautiful addition to the parish grounds next to the Knights of Columbus monument to the unborn. However, it is much more important than simply being a decoration enhancing the beauty of the parish property. This monument reminds us and all who look upon it that the 10 Commandments are an expression of the natural moral law that is inscribed in the heart of every man and woman and so are the foundation of a healthy and flourishing human society. May we ? and the whole world! ? return to a living of these foundational principles of respect for God and our neighbor!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Saint Luke, pray for us!
Father Kevin C. Louis, STL