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June 27, 2024Dear friends in Christ,
This Sunday, the Church celebrates the 13th week of Ordinary Time, and we get a BOGO gospel from St. Mark. What’s a BOGO gospel, you might ask? It stands for “Buy One, Get One” free – a two-for-one offer. We hear two parables in one gospel reading. Consider it a super summer special!
The two parables include the healing of the daughter of Jarius, one of the officials of the synagogue, sandwiched around the healing of the woman who had suffered from hemorrhages for years. The healing miracles are wondrous enough, but I’m particularly struck by the faith and determination of two who petition Jesus for the healing. Jarius was a man of power and prestige, and yet he humbled himself to seek Jesus’ intervention. Likewise, the lowly woman with the bleeding has such great faith that she knows she need only touch the hem of Jesus’ garment to be cured. Their desire to draw near to Jesus and seek his intervention remains a beautiful testament to us all. May we have the same faith to do likewise.
This coming week, we will celebrate a Mass on Thursday, July 4, at 9 a.m. in the Church to mark Independence Day. Though not a religious holy day, I pray you might join us to give thanks to God for our country’s freedom and to beseech his protection and mercy upon our great land. Please note that there will be no evening Mass or confessions the night before on Wednesday, July 3, so that people might get a start on enjoying the holiday with friends and the community. We will have our morning Mass that day, of course.
While the 4th of July falls on a Thursday this year, I can tell you that 20 years ago it fell on a Sunday like today. How do I know? Easy – it was my first Sunday as pastor of Christ the Redeemer. I was appointed pastor of CtR 20 years ago on July 1, 2004 (the day Marlon Brando died for historical reference), and this weekend marks the anniversary of my first Sunday celebrating Mass for the community.
I remember that day well. Of course, it helps that there was a fireworks display that same evening. “What a nice touch,” I thought, “they are shooting off fireworks to welcome me as their pastor!” Seriously, I remember that day because it was one of the greatest days of my priesthood. I was honored to be the new pastor of CtR then, and, now as I begin my 21st year, I am still humbled and honored to be here. Thank you for welcoming me back in 2004, and thank you for your continued support and prayers today.
I hope to be your pastor at CtR for many more years if God, Cardinal DiNardo, and the people of the parish will have me. (I’m often asked how much longer it will be, and I am completely honest when I say only God and the Cardinal know.) It’s been my distinct and profound honor to serve alongside you. This community has given and taught me so much. A more dedicated and faith-filled people you will not find anywhere else. Trust me, I know that I have the best “job” in the entire Archdiocese. I give thanks to God for all the wonderful people at CtR he has brought into my life – those still here and those who have gone before us. I’ve been blessed to baptize, marry, and even bury so many good people. It’s a joy and privilege to be your pastor. All I can say is, “Thank you, Jesus!” May God bless our parish now and for years to come.
Ironically, I won't be present for my 20th anniversary tomorrow. My last remaining aunt on my father’s side of the family passed away recently, and I’m in Denver, my dad’s hometown, for her funeral this weekend. Aunt Bernie, as she was known, was the last connection to that generation of Horrigan men and women. My dad had seven siblings, and now all of the children and their spouses have gone to their eternal reward. She had a long life and a peaceful death, and while I’m sorry to not be at CtR this weekend, it’s good to be with family and remember the beautiful legacy of faith that our parents have now passed on to me, my siblings, and my cousins.
In other news, are you and your spouse celebrating a milestone (25th or 50th) wedding anniversary in 2024? If so, you are invited to attend an upcoming Jubilee Mass celebrated by Cardinal DiNardo. This is an annual event to honor couples who will be marking their Silver or Golden anniversary at any time in the calendar year. It’s always a nice celebration at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown and a way for the Cardinal to honor you for your beautiful witness of the vocation of Marriage.
For those couples marking 25 years in 2024, the Jubilee Mass will be Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m., but you must register in advance by Oct. 17. For those celebrating 50 years of marriage, the Mass will be Sunday, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m., and the deadline to register is Aug. 22. Couples are eligible to receive a special recognition whether they attend the ceremony or not, but pre-registration is required for either service. For more information and to register, see this link on the Archdiocesan website at www.archgh.org/weddingjubilee.
Lastly, we’ve got a great new event coming up at the end of next month with our inaugural CtR Trivia Night. It’s a fundraiser for our awesome Youth Ministry to support their year-round programs, retreats, and conferences for our junior high and high school teens. The Trivia Night is open to the entire parish on Saturday, July 27 from 6:30 – 10 p.m. in our Youth Ministry Suite in the Redeemer Activity Center. You can register as a team of six for $150, or sign-up individually for $30 and we’ll place you on a team with others.
It's a great way to come together as a family (or join up with another family) to test your wits in a variety of categories. Perhaps some of our ministries would like to pull together a team to see who is the ministry trivia king? (I know the Ushers and Greeters like to talk a good game, but let’s see what they’ve got!) It’s family-friendly (anyone age 12 and up is welcome to play, and childcare will be available) with plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and we’ll play several rounds to keep it moving. I’ll be there as MC, or for an extra donation, I might even join your team. Back in the day I used to dominate Trivia Pursuit games with my friends, so let’s see what I can remember. (I fear not much!) To sign up, visit www.ctrcc.com/events/trivianight. If trivia is not your thing, consider being a sponsor to help our Youth Ministry department.
Peace, Fr. Sean