From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy
Archbishop Gregory recently addressed the challenges that we face as Catholics in confronting the problems in our world today. He stated “international events come into our homes and our lives in ways that bring us face to face with the suffering of other people each day, and the closeness and intensity of these events must impact us and spur us to respond.”
As we reflect on these words of the Archbishop, we are reminded that the world, especially the Middle East, continues to be a very dangerous place. This week we will mark the thirteenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 which had their roots in the Middle East. We as a nation recall the tragic deaths and injuries that occurred at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on the fields of Somerset, Pennsylvania. We also cannot forget the brutal persecution of Christians in Iraq and in other places in the world that continues at this time.
This Thursday, as a Parish, we will participate in the World Day of Prayer for Peace sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. We will celebrate a special Mass for Peace as a faith community at 7 p.m. This day of prayer helps us to remember not only the events of that fateful day, but also reminds us of the dangers that continue to confront us. We are invited to pray for peace among nations. We are also invited to ask for the special intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace, as we pray for peace in our world, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts.
Archbishop Gregory also has asked us to support spiritually and financially the humanitarian efforts so desperately needed to assist the persecuted people in Iraq at this time. He also has asked us to write to our elected officials to urge them to support the increased outreach of our nation in caring for the displaced people of Iraq.
As Catholics, we are challenged to respond in faith to the pressing concerns of our brothers and sisters in need, and to also remember in a special way all those who suffered in some way on that fateful day of September 11, 2001. I invite you to join me and many of our fellow parishioners and friends at our special Mass for Peace this Thursday.
I pray that God may continue to bless you and your families for all you do to strengthen and enhance our community of faith.