Dear Friends in Christ,

In the Gospel of John, Jesus asked St. Peter three times if he loved him. Each question was answered by "yes." Jesus then proceeded to tell Peter to tend to the flock. Therefore, if we say we have love for the Lord, we must show that love toward others. This intimate exchange between our Lord and Peter took place in the context of a meal. Each week, we too have an intimate exchange with our Lord at the Eucharistic meal at Mass. Like Peter, we too are asked to show our love for Jesus by going out to tend to the flock by our good words and deeds.

The call to come together at Eucharist has been described by the Church as "the source and summit of the Christian life." (Lumen Gentium) Everything that we are as believers is brought to perfection by the "real presence" of Christ who strengthens us to bring forth the "mission of Christ" to the world. The word that we give to our weekly celebration, the Mass, comes from the Latin word, "missa" which means to be sent. After celebrating our core faith at the weekly Eucharistic meal, we are thus sent out to bring the "Good News" of God's love to all whom we meet.

The world into which we are being sent is not always receptive to the message of Christ. Further, sometimes, the messengers get in the way of the message. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all believers to strive to be authentic in their own daily habit of life. It is sad when the behavior of some can block the faith of others by being a bad example of faith. It is further sad when the behavior of some can become a lightening rod for others to try and destroy the larger Church. However, we know from history and we know from the very words of our Lord that the Church will prevail no matter what happens. It should be obvious that our Church is not made up of perfect human beings - ordained or lay. Yet, our Church finds its headship in the perfect Christ who suffered, died and rose for all sinners.

I know that there are many Catholics who are finding it difficult to bear the hardship of these times in the shadow of the horrific sexual abuse scandal that continues to make headlines. We must all pray for those who have been victimized and for their healing. Further, each of us must accept our own part in the suffering of the Church and ask for God's grace to persevere and to strive for greater holiness.

I invite you to pray with me the prayer of the Psalmist who proclaimed the graciousness of God.

"Hear O Lord, and have pity on me; O Lord, be my helper. You changed my mourning into dancing; O Lord, my God, forever will I give you thanks."

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Tarantino
Pastor