Cathedral Family,
This weekend, we celebrate “Gaudete Sunday.” It means, “Let us rejoice.” The celebration cultivates the joy that builds in anticipation of the joy of Christmas. This liturgical observance also calls to mind the history of ancient Israel, which waited centuries for the fulfillment of the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah. How to stay joyful in the midst of “not yet.”
We have the same problem---we live in the “not yet,” of the Final Coming of Christ. Therefore---we too--must live in the moment realizing that for God all things are possible. We must surrender to the present as fully as we can—shifting our minds in times of doubt or discouragement to the bright promise that God is “with us.” And if He is with us---then, “Who can be against us?” as St. Paul reminds us. In these days leading up to Christmas, let us choose joy whenever the Holy Spirit prompts us!
I have joyful news regarding our charity and social outreach. At Thanksgiving, we were the recipient of a very generous gift from Manasquan Bank—designated for the sole use of our Food Pantry. Manasquan Bank donated $10,000 to assist with people who are suffering from food insecurity in these uncertain times. This generosity and “giving back” from a local institution is a great witness to how business makes a huge difference “locally.” We are very grateful to the leadership of Manasquan Bank for their philanthropic vision and their commitment to those who are in need. I am proud to say that it is the primary banking institution that St. Francis uses for our financial business. Please join me in thanking them and making known their goodness to others. Their gift has already allowed us to reach and address a far wider range of local people who need our help.
We don’t always think of it in this way, but going to Confession is also a sign of joy. We have the joy of knowing that our sins are forgiven and that we have been washed clean. We have the joy of knowing that we are strengthened and healed by the Lord to keep going on our journey of faith. Please come this Friday evening at 6:00 pm for our Parish Penance Service. We will have 8 priests to hear Confessions that evening. Begin to pray to the Holy Spirit to assist you in knowing your conscience and be prepared to bring the light of the Lord into places where compromise and sin have taken hold. Nothing brings the Lord more joy than when we return to Him with all our heart.
The Holy Year of Hope will be coming to a conclusion on the Sunday after Christmas: Holy Family Sunday. If you have not had an opportunity to gain the plenary indulgence there is still time. Going to confession, praying for the Holy Father and receiving Holy Communion in the state of grace along with praying the prayers on the back of the card in the pew will gain the indulgence. We have to do it with a full desire to be detached from sin and accept the new life of the Savior. Our Cathedral is one of the four places that Bishop Checchio designated in our diocese as a pilgrimage site. The cross that stands in the front of the Cathedral, near the Ambo of the Word, is the place we can intentionally pray for these graces. There will not be another Holy Year of Grace until 2050!
As we move forward to the great Feast of Christmas---let us joyfully go together to meet the Lord. I am so grateful to serve here with all of you. I am deeply grateful for your support, prayers and participation in our parish life. May the Lord find us watchful and waiting!
In Jesus’ Promise,
Father Christy