Pastor Weekly Message For September 5, 2021

Jesus is Lord!

Dear: Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We Remember 9/11/01. The Parish Community of Saint Mary, Mother of God Church will hold a special Memorial Mass to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001 this Saturday, The names of our parishioners, Middletown residents and friends who died in the attack on our country will be read and remembered during this sacred liturgy. Following Mass there will be prayers at the 9/11 Memorial that is located in the courtyard of Mary, Mother of God Church.

All our parishioners and friends are invited to attend as we remember our parishioners and victims of September 11, 2001. There will be a time of fellowship and hospitality under the parish tent following Mass and Service.

Last week in my homily, I encouraged all parishioners to visit Jesus in Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at Saint Mary Chapel. My brothers and sisters, we need to pray more. Over these recent weeks we have watched on the news the people of Cuba fighting for freedom from oppression, massive destruction and death in Haiti caused by an earthquake, religious sisters murdered in the Sudan, the horrible events in Afghanistan with the loss of 13 very young Americans of the Armed Forces, and of course the anxiety and fear that surrounds us with the Covid 19. There needs to be a response from those who profess to be followers of Jesus – and that is prayer.

2 Chronicles 7:14 reads: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

The doors of Saint Mary Chapel are open 24/7. Jesus is waiting for us. Make prayer an important disciple in your life. Prayer that is planned and scheduled. Too often, people of good intentions will say to themselves, “I’ll get to my prayers later today or tonight – and the prayer time never happens.”  We all have very busy lives and many responsibilities.

Prayer and your relationship with Jesus must have a priority in your day. As I mentioned above, with all the craziness going on in our country and world, there needs to be a response from those who profess to be followers of Jesus – and that is prayer.

I’ll conclude these pastors notes with some amazing news about Saint Mary Chapel. Since the Adoration Chapel reopened on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021, there has been over 3,000 visitors who signed in as guests! PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! That does not include the nearly 400 weekly adorers. Praise God!

Have a blessed Week!

In Jesus and Mary,
Father Jeff Kegley
Pastor