Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of Saint Benedict:

It is finally beginning to feel like summer out there and it has been wonderful. We have hit the mid-point in July and the slide to the fall is quickly upon us. Soon many of our young adults will be moving on out – off to college or other points beyond. Two years ago we inaugurated our first college send-off Mass and party for those leaving for the first time. This year we decided to modify that send-off for a couple of reasons. Last year one young man didn’t come to the event because he was entering the military instead of going to college. There are also others who were graduated from high school this Spring but who are either staying home and going to college or entering the workforce directly. We want to celebrate with them as well. So next weekend we will celebrate and bless all of those of our parish (and any visitors for that matter) who have graduated from high school this year. Regardless of where they are headed or what they are doing they need our prayers and the support and acknowledgment of this community. We will have the blessing after each Mass on the weekend of July 22nd and July 23rd to accommodate the schedules of all of the students. Please pass this along to those who might not be here this weekend. It will also provide them an opportunity to meet Matt Santucci, newly hired Coordinator of Faith Formation, who will be working with our youth and young adult ministry.

While thinking of departing college students I am also reflecting on departing parishioners. In particular there are individuals and families who are in transition from our parish to other towns, states, and even other countries. We might notice that we don’t see them and may wonder where they have been. As a Christian community we ought to recognize them and send them off, too, with our prayers and best wishes. So, if you are moving, please make contact with the office and let us know. Then on the weekend before you leave we will give you a final blessing and send you forth to your new community (and of course, always welcome you back when you come to visit!). As I challenged us in a homily a few weeks ago, we can’t just call ourselves a community, we have to live like a community – grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the love and mercy that he calls us to live and be.

One of our parishioners has proposed a mentoring concept to me, where more senior parishioners could work with the youth in helping them through their development in service to the community. It can be hard for students to find those necessary volunteer opportunities that they all need now as part of their high school graduation requirement. We benefit from so many wonderful volunteers in our religious education programs, but are in need of more for the food pantry and other parish ministries. The pastoral council and the faith formation committee will be working on this idea and further information will soon be available.

Enjoy the summer week ahead.
Fr. Garry