Our Blessed Mother

05-05-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

The month of May is one dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. At our parish, we have a special dedication to the Memorare prayer. It is a prayer linked to Saint Bernard of Claivaux and is the mosaic that wraps the upper walls of the main aisle of our Church. To honor Our Lady and to be in solidarity with one another as fellow parishioners, I invite you to pray the Memorare every day in May for peace in our families, community, country and world. We trust in the intercession of our Blessed Mother and the gift of peace, which is her Son. We have printed the prayer in the centerfold of the bulletin. Let us unite as the people of Saint Bernard of Clarivaux in this common prayer.

I am pleased to share that Bishop Dolan has assigned Deacon Phil LoCascio to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, beginning May 5th. Deacon Phil will have 10-12 hours of diaconal duties here and we are working on what those will be to assist the parish.

Deacon Phil and his wife, Cindy have been married for over 50 years. They have four children and eleven grandchildren. He was born and reared in Akron, Ohio. He begin his career as a machinist, taught high school and then was part of the startup of MNG Aerospace Company which he retired from after 40 years of service. Deacon Phil became very involved in his home parish in Ohio as a young married man and eventually was ordained at the age of 35 for the Diocese of Cleveland. Because of health reasons and a career opportunity he moved to Arizona in 1994. Since then he served at Saint Joan of Arc Parish in Phoenix, Ascension Parish in Fountain Hills, and now will serve here at St. Bernard.

Over the years, in addition to liturgical functions, he has assisted with marriage preparation, led grief support groups, facilitated the OCIA/RCIA groups, taught classes, has done interfaith/ecumenical work, coordinated social outreach projects and many other numerous activities that enhance parish life. Deacon Phil has been a Vincentian for 30 years and enjoys serving the sick and homebound. Please introduce yourself and give Deacon Phil and his wife Cindy a warm welcome.

We extend an invitation to all graduating seniors, class of 2024, to participate in the 11:00 AM Mass on May 19th. We want to recognize your journey, celebrate your success and extend a blessing upon you as you embark in the next phase of your journey. Please watch the bulletin for more information and contact the parish office to let us know if you are planning on being present for this recognition and blessing.

With just two more weeks of Easter left, let us stay focused on the Risen Lord and his words of peace and abiding love as we journey forward in our lives these days. We celebrate the tomb is empty and that He is in our midst.

Peace and Joy in Him,

Fr. Fred