Dear Friends in Christ,
On Saturday, August 8th, we will celebrate our parish picnic. This event is taking the place of our luau which we have celebrated that last few years. Our committee thought a good, old-fashioned picnic would be an enjoyable time for all. I hope that you will consider getting a ticket and coming out to the picnic. It begins at 6:00 PM. While we would not expect it to be a big fundraiser, we want to pay for the costs of the food, so therefore, there is a cost. Ecclesiastes 3:13 reminds us, “…that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.”
You work hard and so many pray hard; this is a time to enjoy being a parishioner of Our Lady of Hope Parish, your spiritual home. We have a beautiful parish, and I have seen our faith community continue to grow. When my time comes to depart the parish, I will be confident to leave behind a great community who absolutely loves the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist and a people who have a fervent love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our entire grounds belong to one, living God. We often have police cars on our property throughout the day and at night. How I pray that our police officers find strength and comfort while on our grounds so that when called, they are empowered to protect us. There are always people who come onto our property to thank God, to praise God and to shed tears to God. He is aware of everything. So, the times that we are celebrating life together is a way of praising the Lord. We can find God when enjoying the company of our brothers and sisters. Sait John Vianney, patron of Catholic priests once said, “We are each of us like a small mirror in which God searches for His reflection.” Come to the parish picnic and together, we will enjoy the many reflections of God.
God bless you,
Father Szolack