Fourth Sunday of Easter
~ Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish! During this month of May when we honor our Blessed Mother, Mary, we have this special day to honor our earthly mothers and to thank God and to thank them for all they have done for their children and their families. Our moms were the first person who loved us, and our moms were the first person each of us loved. How fortunate we are if we had a mother’s love and care through life! St. John Paul II wrote: “Thank you, women who are mothers! You have sheltered human beings within yourselves in a unique experience of joy and travail. This experience makes you become God’s own smile upon the newborn child, the one who guide’s your child’s first steps, who helps it to grow, and who is the anchor as the child makes its way along the journey of life.” I hope this is a special day for all moms and grandmas and all who show a mother’s love to others. May the Blessed Mother inspire you and pray for you on your journey of faith!
For most this is a day of joy, but for many this is a difficult day, and for many of us, it brings many emotions at the same time. My mom died three years ago, so on this day, I’m happy and grateful for her life and faith, and sad that she is no longer here and that I can’t see her or speak with her. Many of you understand! For those who have recently experienced the death of their mother, a first Mother’s Day without her may bring back all those feelings of grief. For those who have a difficult or even toxic relationship with their mother, this day may be confusing and sad. For mothers who have lost a child through death, for women who have miscarried a child, and for women who long to have a child but struggle with infertility, this day can bring sadness and anger. If this is you, please know that I see you, I am with you, and I am holding you in prayer today. May we all be mindful of the silent sufferings of others and show those who are hurting our deep kindness, compassion, and love.
Thanks to all who contributed to Assisi House during the season of Lent. Assisi House was our Parish Lenten Project, and they have reported to us that they received over $6000 in donations from our parish, 3 SUVs filled with toilet paper from our school community, and many offers of volunteer hours for their houses in St. Louis. We intend to continue our relationship with Assisi House, so let us continue to pray and work for an end to homelessness in our community.
During this month of May, students are finishing their school year, and many are graduating! Today is our annual “Senior Sendoff” when we recognize and honor the high school graduates from St. Margaret of Scotland Parish. Our own St. Margaret 8th graders will celebrate their Graduation next Saturday, May 17. As we end this school year, I am grateful to our principal Patrick Holley, our school administration and faculty and staff, parents and families and all who were supportive and helpful during this school year. Congratulations to all who are graduating from elementary school, high school, college, or graduate school!
Thanks to all who have donated or pledged to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Your pledge card arrived via US Mail a few weeks ago, so please check your mail pile and return your pledge card to the parish as soon as possible. An easier way to make a pledge is to scan this QR code right now and make your pledge today! Thanks for your generosity to the ministries and charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
By the time you read this, we will likely have a new Pope. Let us pray for our new Pope as he begins his ministry as the Successor to Peter, Vicar of Christ, and Servant of the Servants of God. Ad multos annos, Holy Father!