May 19, 2024

Dear Friends in Christ,
This Sunday’s great feast of Pentecost reminds us of something central in our Christian lives, that in the great diversity of gifts, charisms, and ways of living, that the Holy Spirit inspires, there exists a unity that binds us together as well. St. Paul in the second reading at Mass puts it this way: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. (1Cor.12:4-6). Let me share two examples of this unity in the midst of diversity.
This past Monday, I had the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time at our sister parishes Assumption, OLL, and St. Catherine’s. The churches, schools, parish halls, and offices are all quite different in size, style, and layout. I confess to feeling a bit overwhelmed as I realized that moving from place to place will soon become a regular part of my ministry as the pastor of our new family. I found peace in realizing that the people who gather in these parishes are not strangers, but our brothers and sisters in the one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
That helped me later in the week to share the proposed new Mass schedule which will begin on July 1. Let me briefly recap for those who have not yet heard:

• Saturday Mass at 5:00pm will be offered at St. Catherine’s and OLL. (Necessitated by only two priests being available on Saturday)
• Sunday Mass will be 9:00am at Assumption, 9:30am at St. Bridget’s, 10:00am at St. Catherine’s, and 10:30am at OLL. (St. Bridget’s will consider starting a Sunday evening Mass at 5:30pm come September.)

I understand that those of you who are regulars at our Saturday 5:00pm Mass may be disappointed that it will no longer be offered after July 1. I hope you will attend our Sunday 9:30am Mass. If that doesn’t work, you are most welcome at the Saturday Masses at OLL and St. Catherine’s. I trust that will be true for those from the other parishes who start coming to St. Bridget’s for Mass. We are after all, becoming one parish, that though many, are one body, the body of Christ.
Come Holy Spirit!
Fr. William Heric, Pastor