8/29/21 Father Owen's Bulletin Message

Dear Parishioners,
  
I have worked with hospice for 29 years and over the years, have come to recognize the huge need we all have to prepare our loved ones who are terminally ill for death, to help them through the process. It is also just as important to help the bereaved to manage and to receive trust from God to prepare for the end of life as we know it. 

Two weeks ago, I completed our Bereavement group sessions which began in mid-May.  We had twelve wonderful  people attend these sessions and during these three months, our bereaved began the difficult process of moving from sadness to hope.  Death is certainly the hardest part of our lives.  The death of a loved one can leave us  immobilized, sad, angry, shocked.  Our Bereavement group is a safe place for those experiencing loss to acknowledge their feelings and to find comfort and solace in those who are walking the same journey.  Some of  our members were dealing with the death of a loved one through COVID, some cancer, some Alzheimer and some,  a tragic death.  Our group bonded within two weeks and in the sharing of scripture, they found hope through the compassion of Christ. In discussing the life of Mary, our Blessed Mother they got a sense of her empathy and how we as bereaved human beings can trust even though a sense of direction may be difficult.  After the death of a loved one, there is the danger that we can become isolated and retreat into ourselves.  It is extremely important, within weeks of bereavement to seek a Catholic group and to find the tools to reclaim our lives and to begin to live  differently but to live with hope.  I am grateful to Doreen Armenti for helping me facilitate the group and for her great ability to schedule, reschedule and reach out to the group.  I intend to have another Bereavement group some time in the Fall and will give the dates in early October.
 
As we come to the end of August, our minds naturally come to CCD and Confirmation classes.  This year, we will begin our CCD and Confirmation classes after the Antioch retreat.  On Sunday, September 26^th, we will have a  welcome back to all parents and children from K through 8^th grade.  We will have a choice of two presentations;  one will begin at 9:00 am moving into 9:30 mass, the other one will be at 11 moving into 11:30 mass.  It will be
necessary for at least one parent to attend with their child.  We will give a brief overview and will be happy to take any questions with regard to the coming academic year.  Our CCD Cycle “A” will begin on Sunday, October 3 and  Cycle “B” on Sunday, October 10^th.
 
We will have a Welcome Back for our parents and Confirmation youth on Sunday, October 3^rd at 5:15 pm concluding with 6 pm mass.  During that time, Maureen, Nina and I will give an overview of our program and a former Antioch leader, Sean Jenkins will give a presentation on faith as it applies to young adults.  It is necessary that at least one  parent attend the CCD and Confirmation Information sessions so that together as a parish group we can prepare with excitement for the coming academic year.  A big thanks to Maureen, Nina and all those who have worked with us in formulating our programs. 

Fr. Owen