This coming Tuesday, August 15th, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of theBlessed Virgin Mary, a holy day which obliges Catholics to attend Mass. We will celebrate this great solemnity with Mass at 6:30 pm. Please plan to attend. The late Trappist Fr. Basil Pennington describes the Assumption in this way:
“Mary was given the singular privileges of being conceived without sin, conceiving, and bearing the Incarnate God, and being assumed bodily into heaven. We know that in God’s wise plan, every great gift he gives always comes with a great responsibility, and Mary was no exception. She is a vessel of God’s overflowing and particular love for each man and woman. God gave her each of these graces so that she could become a universal Mother to all those who are joined to her Son."
As we celebrate this great feast of God’s love, let us also give thanks for our friends and neighbors at Assumption Parish. Perhaps our newer parishioners don’t know that St. Bridget’s was formed in 1968 out of the boundaries of Assumption which this October will celebrate its 100th anniversary as a parish. Over the years we have joined together in the sponsorship of Assumption-St. Bridget’s School, and a joint conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. So, a very happy feast day to Fr. Oliver and all our brothers and sisters at Assumption Parish!
Every celebration of Mary reminds us that she is the first saint of the Christian tradition and a role model of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. This Sunday, August 13, we recognize another role model of Christian life as we celebrate the retirement of Luanne Johnson. On behalf of all members of our community, I want to thank Luanne for her faithful and generous service to our parish. Please join in a celebration for this special lady following our 9:30 am Mass this Sunday. We are very fortunate that she will be remaining a member of St. Bridget’s, and continuing her gracious hospitality overseeing our coffee hours and receptions. Her retirement gives us the opportunity to invite other members of our parish to step forward in volunteer service in areas that Luanne has managed. Stay tuned for more information on how you can contribute to parish life.
Holy Mary, Mother of God…pray for us! Live Jesus in our hearts…forever!