Pastor Weekly Message For July 25, 2021

Jesus is Lord!

Dear: Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Pope Francis has instituted a Church-wide celebration of a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Starting this year on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

Recalling the upcoming feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple – when the elderly Simeon and Anna encountered the child Jesus and recognized Him as the Messiah – Pope Francis said, “the Holy Spirit even today stirs up thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly.” The voice of the elderly “is precious,” he said, “because it sings the praises of God and preserves the roots of the people.” The elderly, he continued, “remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between the different generations, to pass on to the young the experience of life.”

The Holy Father said he instituted the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly because “grandparents are often forgotten, and we forget this wealth of preserving roots and passing on” what the elderly have received. He emphasized the importance of grandparents and grandchildren getting to know one another, because “as the prophet Joel says, grandparents seeing their grandchildren dream,” while “young people, drawing strength from their grandparents, will go forward and prophesy.”

Our parish community will honor our grandparents and elderly at our Masses with a special blessing. Following the Sunday morning Masses there will be a pancake breakfast under the tent. This is a special day for all generations to come to church as a family.

As we honor our grandparents and elderly this weekend, I also ask that you keep our younger generation - Life Teen in your prayers, as they travel to the Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio) for the Youth Conference. This year’s theme is “Restored,” which couldn’t be more perfect considering the year the teens (and everyone) have had. Like in past years, please pray that our teens have a transformational encounter with Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” - Psalm 80:3

Each week our Parish Staff gathers for a Holy Hour where we pray and intercede for our parishioners, friends, and ministries of our parish. It is a highlight of our week. If you have any special prayer intentions that you would like us to pray for, please send them to us on our parish webpage at www.stmarychurchnj.org/prayer.

Have a blessed week.

In Jesus and Mary,
Father Jeff Kegley
Pastor