This Monday, August 22, St. Peter’s Parish had Mass at Advinia Care Nursing Home (formerly Beaumont.) The second floor dining room was full of residents for this Mass which was followed by Anointing of The Sick. I was struck by the appreciation residents showed for the parish providing them Mass. One woman commented “You don’t know how much this means...”
The residents at Advinia Care and other nursing facilities live their day to day lives largely unable to venture beyond the facility. Often, they struggle with poor health, ongoing medical problems and separation from family and familiar surroundings. Yet, they are able to appreciate the smallest kindnesses they receive, especially those which involve faith. They do not take the Sacraments for granted and recognize the great importance of the Church’s efforts to provide these for them.
The greatest gift is the gift of Jesus. As Catholics, we have an incredible privilege of regularly receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. However, sometimes, we can take for granted how precious this gift truly is. The gratitude and thankfulness shown by the Advinia Care residents for being able to attend Mass and receive Communion is an example to us of how we all should view Mass and the Sacraments.
As the Summer draws to a close, I reflect upon my first two months here with you as your pastor. It has been wonderful reconnecting with you after many years and catching up on
what has been happening in your lives. It is great to “be home” in the parish that I was brought up in and is an honor to serve this community of faith. I am looking forward to the start of Religious Education and Bible Study in September as a busy Fall soon begins. Let us continue to seek the intercession of our heavenly patron, St. Peter, as we open our hearts to receive God’s graces and guidance through the power of the Holy Spirit.