From Our Pastors
As this is being typed the election results are in the balance. Whatever the results, we are praying for a peaceful transition and a renewed commitment to work together for the common good.
Uncertainty is in the air everywhere these days. Normally we would be working on plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Planning trips, and guest lists, gifts, and menus. But given COVID restrictions and an uptick in infections, these traditions will be altered in ways unimaginable a year ago.
Who knows what the next weeks will bring, but here at the Oratory parishes of Assumption and St Boniface we plan to hold Masses for Advent and Christmas. We will continue to baptize and marry, hear confessions, and assist the sick and homebound. We will honor the dead. We will offer courses and hold meetings, most virtually of course, but the parish life will keep moving along as best it can. Keep an eye out for some exciting virtual musical recitals starting Monday, November 16.
When faced with the inevitable it is best to embrace that reality with as much grace as we can muster. And practice again, trust in the goodness of God that no matter what we will be okay.
Here is a prayer for these times from the monk and author Thomas Merton. Merton, of whom Pope Francis said on his visit to NY in 2015: “(he) was above all a man of prayer, a thinker who challenged the certitudes of his time and opened new horizons for souls and for the Church. He was also a man of dialogue, a promoter of peace between
peoples and religions."
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
We will get through these times. If we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Fr. Mark Lane, C.O. and Fr. Michael Callaghan, C.O.