Pastor’s Corner — October 15th, 2023
The War in the Middle East: Two Things
First, in light of the absolutely horrific acts of terrorism of Hamas and Israel’s response underway, here are some relevant passages of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to keep in mind:
2307 The fifth commandment forbids the intentional destruction of human life. Because of the evils and injustices that accompany all war, the Church insistently urges everyone to prayer and to action so that the divine Goodness may free us from the ancient bondage of war. 105
2308 All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war.
However, “as long as the danger of war persists and there is no international authority with the necessary competence and power, governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed.”
2309 The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time:
- the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
- all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
- there must be serious prospects of success;
- the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated.
- The power of modern means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.
These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the “just war” doctrine. The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.
Second, please pray for peace. Pray not only because this war could very easily get out of hand if other countries join. Pray not only so that no more innocent people will die. Pray that there might be peace in the hearts of everyone in the Middle East. May the supernatural peace of the Holy Spirit be poured out over the Middle East and bless those who have been wounded and convert those bent on evil. Jesus, the King of Peace and King of Mercy has already won the war over our true enemies of sin, death and Satan. Let’s live in his victory and pray for God’s mercy for everyone involved, including for the terrorists.
Planned Giving Seminar Monday Oct 16 at 6:30pm in McCann Hall
This important seminar is a good way to learn about other opportunities to be good stewards. A presentation entitled “Charitable Giving: Building a Stronger Parish Together” will be given by Ryan Nardozzi (Director of Operations), Deacon Patrick McDonald and Michael DeMeyere (Financial Advisor and Chair of Parish Finance Council).
Parishioners Start New Missionary Non-Profit: An Opportunity to Help
I am so proud of Alicia Cergnul and Scott Husak, two parishioners who helped found a missionary non-profit called SENT Global. Recently they went on a trip to Jamaica and now Alicia is going on a trip to Mozambique. There is a table in the back of the Church this weekend collecting items for their next mission trip (below) Here is a little note from Alicia:
I wanted to share with you a remarkable testimony of God’s work that has unfolded since my last communication with you in November. I must confess that I was once the doubting Thomas of our group, never imagining that I would personally witness the miraculous healing of someone’s eyes.
In the company of my dedicated team, we gathered in prayer, not even having the chance to utter the words, “In Jesus’ name,” before we were overcome with immense joy. It was a moment of pure wonder as the woman we were praying for exclaimed, “I can see. I can see.” Her eyes, once able to perceive only blurry shapes, had been restored. A week later, she stood before her entire church congregation in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, and her husband shared her powerful testimony. She had received healing and could read her Bible for the first time in two years! Praise God!
SENT Global is dedicated to carrying out the great commission by supporting Spirit-led missionaries who focus on feeding the hungry, spreading the Gospel, and addressing the needs of impoverished communities around the globe. SENT is not just a name; it’s an acronym that encapsulates our specific missions: S: Send Spirit-led missionaries, E: Evangelize, N: Nourish, T: Teach.
How Can We Support SENT Global?
We have two exciting developments on the horizon for our newly established non-profit organization. Firstly, as we embark on this inaugural year of our non-profit journey, we are dedicating our efforts to learning, strategizing, and fundraising for the communities that the Holy Spirit has led us to support. From November 3rd to the 16th, I, in my role as the Executive Director, will be joining a group of 14 fellow missionaries, some of whom are experienced non-profit leaders themselves, on a mission to a Mozambique orphanage. This mission trip serves as a valuable opportunity for us to gain insights into leading mission teams and to discern the ways in which the Lord is guiding our non-profit to nourish both the physical and spiritual well-being of individuals on a global scale.
The orphanage in Mozambique has specific needs, and your support can make a significant difference. Please take a look at the list of requested donations below. We will be collecting these items on October 21st and 22nd in the gathering space of Saint Patrick Church.
Secondly, we invite you to save the date for our eagerly anticipated launch party on November 18th, from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, which will be held at the Oak Pointe Country Club. Join us as we raise a glass and enjoy appetizers while we share the compelling mission and vision of our non-profit organization. It promises to be a memorable event, and we can’t wait to have you with us!
Donation Items needed for Zimpeto Orphanage in Mozambique
Backpacks for older boys
Teenage Boy Clothes
Toothbrushes for children 2-4yr old
Bandages/Gauze
Boxes of Medical Gloves medium/large
Wound Cream (Bactroban/ Mupirocin)
Mosquito nets (including box, double or large to cover
bunk-beds)Double fitted and flat sheets for visitors’ compound (not white)
Girls’ Tights
Lightweight sports bras 28A, 30A, 30B
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Mathias