From the Pastor’s Desk:

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, let us pray for all mothers who have answered God’s call to participate with Him in bearing and raising her children.

Mothers have a very hard task of not only saying yes to their children, but also saying no. Just because something is popular, does not make it right or good for children, even if other parents say yes to their children. Movies with graphic violence, mild or suggestive sexuality, song lyrics that demean women or other races contradict the message of Jesus Christ. It is the job of parents to say yes or no and not to simply be their child’s friend. Young people have friends, they need good strong mothers and fathers. I say this every year and throughout the year. Parenting is not easy, it is a job, but it has great rewards.

It is also a bitter sweet time of the year when students are graduating from middle school and high school. Perhaps one of the hardest task for a mother is letting their child go. As I was growing up, it was called cutting the apron strings. The goal of motherhood is not to control children, but to prepare them to be happy, healthy, faith-filled adults. And at times this may mean stepping back and allowing young people to face the consequences of their actions. This is so hard for a loving mother, but sometimes letting go is the best love one can give. As we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary during the month of May, we see that great example in her life as she watched her son mature, become a great rabbi and then die on the cross.

This weekend here at St. Agnes Cathedral fifteen of our young people will receive Holy Communion for the first time. From this time until the Lord calls them home, the Eucharist will be available to them, as well as to all practicing Catholics. The Eucharist is that special gift from God in which He can come into each of us individually to give us the grace and the guidance we need; Christ coming into us in that most special and intimate way. We become one with Christ, as Christ becomes one with us. May the Lord bless these young people.