Dear Friends,
As we celebrate and honor the saints in the week ahead, we encounter a pair of early church martyrs. The witness of Ss. Pontian and Hippolytus, as well as many of the early martyrs, are frequently overlooked. Not because their witness was not important in the life of the church, but the popularity of other saints tend to overshadow the beautiful gift that each saint is to the life of our contemporary church. This is evident in the naming of our children, the choosing of Confirmation names, and the naming of Churches and Institutions. Each saint represents an aspect of our salvation history in a particular time and place. The challenge is to have an appreciation of them in their culture and history. With this appreciation may we bring their witness into our present time and place.
I’m feeling more at home in both of my living spaces, especially with the completion of some painting and the unpacking of many boxes. I’ve been fascinated by the different programs that each parish has, and frankly, some I’ve never encountered. Learning about these groups and programs helps me deepen my appreciation for the unique culture of each parish. Although we will be looking at ways to collaborate, I believe that each parish’s unique witness of faith should be preserved and celebrated. What an opportunity we have to put into practice the principle of solidarity.
It is with great joy that I mention that Fr. Joe Robinson will be returning next week. His assignment status is now Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and Parochial Vicar of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish. I look forward to working with him to help understand this new chapter of our parish lives. Although his involvement in parish life will reflect his ongoing self-care, his wisdom and enthusiasm will be a welcome gift. I just hope he likes the paint colors.
Blessings,
Fr. Workman
