Happy Labor day weekend! The children will once again return to school and “Blessing of Backpacks Weekend” will be at all the Masses next weekend (September 8th/9th), but before we become discouraged that summer is gone remember there is still more beautiful summer days ahead of us. We will return to the regular schedule at the rectory and for the Adoration Chapel beginning Tuesday, September 4th.

Therefore, there is still time to spend with Jesus in our Adoration Chapel each Tuesday and Friday. There are still days when we can go to daily Mass to pray for our families, friends, our country, the Church and the world. There is still time to go to Confession before the busyness of the fall is upon us. Yes, there is still time to grow closer to Jesus through the beautiful Sacraments of the Catholic Church especially in the gift of Confession.

Confession is good for the soul and remember that we must go to Confession if we may have missed a Sunday or two during the summer months. Just a gentle reminder that we should not be receiving Communion if we have missed a Sunday obligation until we have gone to the wonderful Sacrament of Confession. 

I hope this weekend will provide all the members of our parish to enjoy one more cookout with family and friends or one trip to the beach or a lazy day relaxing at home, but, no matter what, thank you for your faithfulness to the Sunday Mass.

Jesus gives us 168 hours each week to do all that we must do and He asks us to give one of those hours in return to thank Him and worship Him the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Let us remain faithful to Mass because of God’s immense and perfect love for each of us, now and forever.

Until next week, St. Benedict and Cardinal Cooke, Servant of God, pray for us!

Fr. Stephen P. Norton