My Dear Parish Family,

   “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Just last week in this letter, I asked that we all commit ourselves to praying the rosary each day. How are you doing with that? I mentioned that there are many changes happening societally, morally and culturally…changes that are not always good or in line with what we believe and the Church teaches. And here, this week, we are reminded of that beautiful event when Peter comes to recognize that Jesus is Lord and Messiah -“the Christ.” Jesus gives Simon a new name and a new job. You will be the rock on which I will build my church and nothing shall prevail against it.

   “When we hear these words, we are called to trust in God’s providential care. And I believe that we are not to take an attitude of “Don’t worry, be happy.” Rather, we are called to stay awake and watchful in our prayer, not to be complacent but active in our thoughts and our trust in the Lord. Keep praying and keep living strong in your faith in God.

   “Before you know it the school year will be starting up again. Make the best of these last couple weeks. God bless you all and Oremus pro invicem.

Fr. Scott Shaffer