“Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.”

Indeed, we cry out to God with joy.  On this Mother’s Day, we thank God for the gift of our heavenly mother, Mary; our biological mothers; our God-mothers; our spiritual mothers who pray for us.  These presences of love forever change who we are and who we will become as beloved sons and daughters of God.  Thank you!

As we enter into the scriptures for this weekend, the words of St. Peter reminded me of the words a loving mother would share with their children….

“Beloved: Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.” 

It is better to suffer than to do evil.  It is better to stand up for what is good, true and beautiful than to succumb to what is evil or enticing in the world.  No matter what we do, we need to continually form our conscience, to respond to the conscience God gave us and truly let Jesus rule our hearts.

That is why it is so important that parents and grandparents get continually formed in the faith—so that they can share that formation with their children.  In light of this, please sign up for the “Joachim and Anne Workshop” grandparenting workshop that is happening on May 22 from 9am—1pm here at St. Francis de Sales in the Memorare Center.  This workshop will help grandparents better pass on the faith to their grandchildren.  The questions they ask are these: WANT YOUR GRANDKIDS TO CATCH THE CULTURE OF CATHOLICISM? WANT TO KNOW MORE ON HOW TO MINISTER TO YOUR GRANDKIDS?  This workshop will include training on how to approach sensitive topics with your family with the truth and love of Jesus.  Please RSVP to https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/events/2023/05/22/anne-joachim-grandparenting-workshop-summit-co.  OR Erin Marie Raines at 216-696-6525 x7670. Please RSVP by Monday, May 15. Cost is $10 per person.  Thanks for considering.

May God bless our mothers,

Fr. Jeremy