Dear Parishioners:

Next Saturday, September 25, we will have our annual “Mass in the Grass” at 4pm as we celebrate The Feast of the Archangel Gabriel.  Gabriel is a Hebrew word with two root parts. The first portion, “gabri,” means strength, power, or might; while the suffix, “El,” is a Hebrew word for God. The name Gabriel means God is strong, God is powerful, or God is mighty.

Gabriel’s Special Role:

St. Gabriel the Archangel is God’s special messenger. Gabriel explained, “I am Gabriel, who stands before God. I was sent to you and to announce” (Lk 1:19). Gabriel is mentioned four times in the Bible, twice in the Old Testament and twice in the New Testament. Gabriel appeared to the prophet Daniel (Dan 8:16; 9:21) to explain two dreams. Then Gabriel brought the message of the two great births in Luke’s Infancy Narrative: the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (Lk 1:19), and most importantly, the birth of Jesus to Mary (Lk 1:26).  No other angel has ever brought such an important announcement. Gabriel stands alone as the greatest of all angelic messengers.

As we celebrate the feast day of our patron, Saint Gabriel, let us be mindful that each of us, from our baptism, are called to be messengers of hope who bring the face of Christ to others.  This support is especially needed during this Covid Pandemic and as we celebrate the gifts of our parish and how we are called to be women and men of hope, joy, faith and love to each other.  Looking forward to seeing you at Mass or if unable to attend for health reasons on our Mass streaming.

Lastly, thank you to all who supported the Annual Catholic Appeal this past year; we surpassed our goal and challenge goal!  Thanks for this support to those in need and to our schools and churches.

                                                                        God Bless

                                                                        Msgr. John Shamleffer