Author: Fr. Mahoney (Page 4 of 76)

“All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing!  Alleluia! Alleluia!”

Thanks to all the parishioners and visitors who brought their pets last weekend for the annual Blessing of the Animals. The church parking lot was full of St. Francis of Assisi’s four-legged brothers and sisters, from Lucky, the pony who attends every year, to the 14 doggies large and small, to the 2 cats, not to mention their human companions who love and are loved by their pets!

The Lord God formed  out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air.

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Following the 10:00 A.M. Mass on Sunday, October 5, we will gather in the church parking lot for the  annual blessing of pets to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, which is Saturday, October 4.

Psalm 147:9 tells us that God is concerned for all   His creation, including the animals He created. We can take from Scripture that if God takes care of    animals, then so should we. Many parents introduce  a pet into their home to teach their children responsibility and other positive qualities, such as unconditional love, forgiveness, and steady companionship. That’s why pets are taken to hospitals and nursing homes to interact with people in need. They help   reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.  We   can learn an incredible deal from animals.

Good St. Francis, patron of animals, you loved all of God’s creatures. To you, they were your brothers and sisters. Help us to follow your example of treating every living thing with kindness. Watch over our pets. Keep them – and their human companions – safe, healthy, and always in God’s loving care.

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney

Priesthood Sunday is a time to thank all priests for  answering the call to serve!!! “Whoever is not against us is for us.” Pray for Father John and all priests! They heard God calling them to the priesthood and chose to serve Christ. Now, they enrich our spiritual well-being everyday in the name of God.

Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our Priests.
Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.
Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.           
Set their souls on fire with love for your people.
Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. 
Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.
Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.
Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.

Amen.