Together in Christ

11-10-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

As Catholics, we come to Mass this weekend and every weekend with one thing unchanged and consistent - Jesus Christ is our King and Savior. We can be confident in His Church that offers the Mass continually for the salvation of souls. We find peace and joy in Him alone. There is great consolation in a Church that has continued for almost two millennia, despite the many challenges faced in our world.

How beautiful it is that we are part of that steadfast Catholic faith here at Saint Bernard. It is our mission to be the light of Christ to others. To be a place where people encounter Jesus and find a community that helps them on a journey of faith. We are a parish built on a hill – providing a beacon of faith, hope and love to all who open their heart to encounter Him.

This weekend is a time for commitment as part of our Mission Engagement focus. We invite every individual/family to prayerfully commit to be part of the mission here at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. I am grateful and amazed at the many ways the light of Christ shines through in the various ministries here and your continual generosity to support the parish financially. Your weekly, monthly or quarterly contributions are what allows us to spread the Gospel mission and continue to reach beyond what we can dream and imagine. We do not do it alone. We do it “Together in Christ”!

November is a time for expressing gratitude – it stems from the season of harvest and being grateful to God for His abundance. While most of us are not farmers reaping a harvest of wheat, corn, beans, or other agricultural products, we are people of faith who can reap the reward of a focused and intentional commitment to growing in our relationship with Jesus and His Church. Of course, in faith it is the fruits of the Holy Spirit we hope to harvest, which I pray are many and abundant in your lives; Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-control, and Purity. Take time to give God thanks this month for His goodness in your life.

This all builds up to the Harvest Festival on Sunday, November 17th from 12:00 to 3:00 pm on our parish grounds. A time for us as a community to be together and enjoy the many fruits of this parish community. Various ministries and volunteers are hosting games and activities for us to be involved in as we enjoy the gift of our presence to one another. It will be a busy weekend with parking limited on the South side of the building. We will have shuttle service from the High School available – so if you are able bodied, park up the street and either walk or take the shuttle to Church – saving our close parking for visitors and those who find it difficult to make that journey. What a blessing it is to have such an abundance of true missionary disciples in this community who truly embrace all the gifts of the Holy Spirit poured out in so many ways. Come, celebrate and enjoy a parish that is your home. Remember we do it “Together in Christ”.

Filled with gratitude, peace and Joy in Him, Fr. Fred