May 15, 2022: Fifth Sunday of Easter

Dear friends in Christ,

It has been a tough week. On my way home from Mother’s Day celebrations last weekend, I started to feel sick. I took a couple of at-home covid tests that were negative but am currently awaiting the results of a lab test to confirm. As I write this (Tuesday, May 10^th), I still feel quite bad, hopefully I will be free and feeling fine again this weekend.

I got the idea to print a few corrections. These are mistakes or things overlooked that is brought to the attention of a magazine, newspaper, or, in this case, a pastor. I think acknowledging such corrections can be an incredibly good thing as it helps us get better and learn.

Firstly, in a recent bulletin letter, I wrote about the importance of having healthy and good relaxing hobbies or pastimes. I went out of my way to say that watching TV alone was not healthy. As luck would have it this week, I have been stuck in my rooms isolating for days on end. Sometimes, watching TV might be all you can do. There is only so much reading or talking one can do. So, I would like to correct my strong words against watching TV alone. I can see that sometimes watching a good program on TV is not a bad way to relax and spend some time.

Secondly, I would like to make a correction in the blessing we read at the end of Mass for Mother’s Day. It was pointed out that it was particularly good of us to bless adoptive mothers, and that they are truly a blessing. However, in the blessing for birth mothers who share the gift of their children, the words implied that others could do a better job than them. This is where some might take offense. It is not that some mothers could do a better job; it is often circumstances and other challenges facing the birth mother that led to the beautiful and difficult choice of adoption. There really should be no judgmental language used in the cases of adoption. I would like to correct that and renew God’s blessings upon all birth mothers and adoptive mothers.

Over the years, I am sure there will be many more corrections needed as well as clarifications but thank you for bringing these to my attention. May God bless us all and keep us in His love!

In the Risen Lord Jesus,

Fr. Matt

SYNOD presentation:

During the weekend of May 21^st and 22^nd, we will have special gatherings after Mass to talk about the fruit of our Synod listening sessions. The document striving to capture what was shared in our listening sessions will soon be available online and we will have a chance to share it together and talk about that weekend before we send it to the Archdiocese.

Save the date for our next spiritual gathering at Saint Matthew on Sunday, May 15^th, at 1 PM. Our last spiritual gathering generated some lively discussion on Ignatian Contemplation. Consider joining us!