Faith Formation Update Newsletter
Sts. Mary & Matthew Faith Community - 5/21/23
ASCENSION MASSES & MARRIAGE RECOGNITION MASS
The Diocese of Rochester’s annual Marriage Recognition Mass is scheduled for 2:00 PM, May 21 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, Rochester.
A Note from Jeanette
Dear Families,
This weekend we celebrate the 7th (and last) Sunday of the Easter season. While many of you may think that Easter is long over, we are only just concluding this most beautiful of seasons now. This season of hope and resurrection. It’s what we are all about! So, let’s relish this week and the messages that our scripture readings leave us with.
Our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles finds the disciples gathered in the upper room in prayer after Jesus’ ascension to heaven, and as they wait for the descent of the Holy Spirit. Isn’t it true in life that there are times when all we can do is pray? How often have we both heard and used the phrase, “I will keep you in my prayers.” And as we gather together at Mass to pray in community, we are following in the steps of the disciples and Jesus. Prayer is essential to life because it’s how we deepen our relationship with God (through communication).
In the second reading, we are encouraged by Peter to “rejoice” in our shared suffering of Christ. It’s an odd request, to rejoice in the suffering, yet we are told that through that the “Spirit of Glory and of God rests upon [us].”
And finally, our gospel passage from St. John finds Jesus in earnest to the Father. This passage is also known as the “Prayer of Jesus” or “The High Priestly Prayer” where we find Jesus continually offering his “glory” to God. As a matter of fact, the word “glory” (or some form of it) is used six times in this passage (yes, I counted them). Jesus is praying for both our glory and his own. Like both the apostle’s prayers in the first reading, and Jesus’ prayer in the gospel, we too follow the example and pray. We pray on our own, and in community. I prefer the latter. I pray a lot, in many ways. Prayer is essential because it creates connection and we all need to feel and experience that. We need to be connected to each other and to God! Prayer allows us to rejoice (as Peter tells us in the second reading) even in our suffering. Prayer allows us to give “glory” to God.
Our youth group gatherings always end in prayer. We pray together, for others, for their needs and individually (in prayers we chose not to say aloud). I conclude each closing youth group prayer by saying, “For all these prayers and for those in the silence of our hearts, we ask for God’s grace, blessing, and mercy. And help us Lord to always remember, that everything we say and everything we do – should be done for your glory.” Oh, there’s that word again – glory. Glory is about giving honor to those we love through service and devotion. Can you think of anyone or anything more glorious or deserving of honor than God? Let’s always strive to remember, that everything we do – should be done for the glory of God.
The Celebration of Confirmation, St. Mary's Church, Canandaigua 5/11/23
Congratulations to:
Natalie "Cecilia" Capel
Quinn "Albert" Kubrich
Sierra "Elizabeth" Whitney
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit." (Rom 15:13)
Natalie Capel with Fr. Laird
Natalie, Jeanette and Sierra Whitney
Quinn Kubrich, Jeanette and Fr. Laird
Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for Us! - Our Mother Leads Us Ever Closer to Jesus!
"Mother walk with me, walk by me!
Walk to guide me everyday in the way of
faithfulness to Jesus!"
—Pope Francis
I've shared different ways to honor Mary during the month of May, and I'd like to continue with that by giving you some more resources on the rosary. In this week's gospel passage, Jesus prayed for those he loved. We do the same when praying a rosary with others, or personally. It's a beautiful way to express our love for those we care for and those that need our prayers. Mary guides us ever closer to her son through the Holy Rosary. https://info.franciscanmedia.org/praying-the-rosary-series
"Whatever struggles you may face with the rosary, never walk away feeling discouraged. If your mind wanders, if you don’t feel the fervor, or if you’re very sleepy while praying, remember that the words you are reciting are biblical and holy. Simply pulling out your beads and saying the sacred words is giving something beautiful to God, even if your heart or mind is not as into it as you’d like."
— from the book Praying the Rosary Like Never Before: Encounter the Wonder of Heaven and Earth
by Edward Sri
Celebrating First Holy Communion, St. Mary's Church 5/14/23
Congratulations to Mia Boyea and Grace Hamilton,
(seen here receiving their First Communion blessing,
and below with Fr. Laird).
Having received Holy Communion for the first time we ask the
Lord to grant them the courage to discover God everywhere
and in everything they do.
Celebrating First Holy Communion, St. Matthew's Church 5/14/23
Congratulations to Mark Bohannon and Donny Brown,
cousins and best friends (seen below receiving their
First Communion blessing from Fr. Laird).
May the nourishment they receive in the Body and Blood of Christ strengthen them in faith and love each day.
Faith Formation & Youth Ministry Schedule:
- This Sunday, May 21, will be the last day of Faith Formation classes for my group of girls (and my trusty ! Please plan to attend as we close out the year by celebrating with one another! We will meet at the regular time 9:00 AM in the youth room at St. Matthew's.
- St. Mary's will also finish off the year, as we take a break for summer.
- CLOW - We will also have our final Children's Liturgy during Masses this weekend.
- Crossroads (HS Youth Ministry) will meet this Sunday evening from 6:30 - 8:00 PM in the youth room. See you there!
- Our End of the Year Youth Ministry Gathering for grades 6-12 will take place at Hemlock Park on June 4 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Bring a snack and beverage to share. I look forward to seeing everyone there!
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO OUR DEDICATED FAITH FORMATION VOLUNTEERS! Jan Boyea at St. Mary's and Theresa Petelin at St. Matthew's. Thanks also to our Children's Liturgy leaders - Jan Boyea, Jeanmarie & Catherine McLaughlin, Anne, Isabel & Matthew Parry, and our trusty substitute, Barb Dougherty. You are all the best!
Did you know...
...that May is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental health issues have been steadily on the rise, and as a youth minister I keep myself as informed as I can. I know that our young people are at risk. Statistics show that 42% of teens experience some type of anxiety, depression or other mental health issue, and 22% have had (or have) suicidal thoughts. The world we live in today is complex and scary. There is so much division. Social media projects unrealistic images and ideals that many feel they cannot live up to. Instead of blaming young people for feeling this way, take into consideration that the world today is what they inherited, not what they created. I personally feel that the stigma associated with mental health issues is better than it used to be, but we still have a long way to go. I also believe that having a foundation of faith is critical to helping those that struggle. I've experienced first hand depression and anxiety. Without professional help, and my faith, I don't know where I'd be. I have also worked with young people for 23 years, and I've seen and experienced much of this first hand.
As disciples of Christ, is it our duty to help, and one of the best ways to do that is to LISTEN. I've learned that we don't have to give advice or make things better, but having an open mind and a listening ear is essential when someone reaches out. And please pray for all those suffering in any way with this issue.
Keep talking. Keep asking for help, and if you, or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, CALL 988. For more information go to: https://www.namiroc.org/
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve those challenged by serious and chronic mental and emotional illnesses. Give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Blog & Resources
Diocese of Rochester Family Newsletter
Family Faith Sharing Questions - 7th Sunday of Easter
For Adults: Who needs you to pray for them this week, as Jesus prayed for his disciples?
For Children: Who will you pray for this week?
National & DOR Eucharistic Revival Websites
Holy Hour
Our Faith Community offers opportunities for Adoration and Holy Hour at both St. Mary's and St. Matthew's. Some of you may be wondering, what exactly is Holy Hour? The attachment below will give you some information regarding this beautiful form of prayer - spending time with the Holy Eucharist - JESUS!
Sts. Mary & Matthew Faith Community Office of Faith Formation & Youth Ministry
Faith Formation Mission Statement:
We strive to…
- Impart the Catholic faith as living and life-giving, teaching what Catholic’s believe and live, in response to that message of faith.
- Inspire students and families to be involved in the life of the parish, with opportunities for worship, community, and service.
- Encourage adults to continue their own religious development.
- Build a community of faith [together] where all feel welcomed, respected, safe, and loved.
Email: Jeanette.Housecamp@dor.org
Website: www.stsmaryandmatthew.com
Location: 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Livonia, NY, USA
Phone: (585) 346-3815
Facebook: facebook.com/stsmaryandmatthewfaithcommunity