Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Patrick,
The peace of the Lord be with you! This familiar language is threaded several times throughout the Mass. We find it at the beginning and at the end of our liturgical gathering – and a number of times throughout. We often include petitions for peace during the Universal Prayer. Our hymns and songs also carry this vital theme. Peace for ourselves, for others, for the world.
I invite you this Tuesday, August 22, at 6:30pm for an opportunity to pray for the gift of peace in a special way as Saint Patrick hosts a neighborhood service for peace in light of the increasing gun violence occurring all around us. This reality has become very close to home as a number of our parishioners and neighbors have personally been impacted by armed violence. In addition to the many reports of these incidents in the near west side, I am mindful of two dear neighbors – Denise Rowland and Rev. Jim Link – who were personally victimized in recent months. I am grateful that they will share their personal reflections during this special service.
I invite you to join our parish and community on Tuesday evening for this hour of prayer. Bring your family and your friends. It promises to be an opportunity to focus on God’s light in the midst of such darkness.
Allow me to also take this opportunity to encourage you to invite your friends and neighbors to join us for our parish picnic on Sunday, August 27. The picnic will begin immediately after our Outdoor Mass at 11am. This is a wonderful annual gathering to enjoy each other’s company!
May the peace of Christ be upon you and your loved ones!
Yours in Jesus, Our Prince of Peace,
Fr. Gurnick