Dear St. Martin Parishioners,
This Sunday, the Church presents us with Psalm 23 for our Responsorial Psalm. The response is, “The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.” Indeed, we lack nothing if we allow the Lord to Shepherd us through life’s hills and vales. Often, our first instinct is to pay attention to our own weaknesses and inabilities—our own want or lack. In fact, this is inevitable if we are just looking at ourselves. The Church urges us to look not at ourselves, but rather to the Lord, who is our Shepherd. Only in that way can we go forward with confidence, trust and a sense of fullness of life. Let him provide for you where you feel most lacking.
We recently received the sad news (for us!) that Sr. Mariana has been chosen for a new assignment in her congregation. Her fellow Dominican Sisters of Fatima have elected her to be part of the Administrative Council in Puerto Rico. While we rejoice that her outstanding gifts have been recognized by her order, we are sad to lose her. Sr. Mariana spent six years at St. Martin’s, and during that time she has been the leaven of this community. Her Eucharistic and Marian spirituality has been a gift to our parish, and we will sorely miss her wisdom, sense of humor, joy, compassion and encouragement. Sister is coming back on August 4th, and I will keep you informed about a celebration for her as that takes shape. We haven’t yet been informed about her replacement, but we hope to know soon. Godspeed, Sister, in your new assignment, and thank you for your selfless and tireless ministry at St. Martin’s!
In Christ,
Fr. Dave
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