Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart
I am writing this Pastor’s Corner on the occasion of my 55th birthday. I give thanks to God for all the many blessings He has bestowed on me throughout my life and for all of you as we continue our journey of faith.
I especially want to thank everyone who planned and prepared for our all parish family picnic. It was so good to gather and meet so many of you. We all have so much to be grateful for and I hope that is always in the forefront of our minds as we move forward with the Partners in the Gospel program.
We are all going to be challenged in the future, but we take confidence as we look to all of the holy men and women who have gone before us a great “cloud of witnesses” (c.f. Hebrews 12:1). I have been reviewing some of the writings of my favorite saints who show forth the goodness of God in the midst of challenges and adversity. They truly remind us God provides for us in all circumstances. Let us draw upon the grace the Lord offers us each day, especially upon the grace of the Eucharist and trust together that God is working all things for our good because we love Him (c.f. Romans 8:28).
On a funnier note, during my recent fishing trip to Sitka, AK with my brother, I woke up early and was sitting at the table. We were scheduled to leave that day and had finished our fishing. A new group of visitors had arrived the night before. One of these visitors was a young man who sat across from me and as we began to introduce ourselves to each other, I shared with him that I was a Catholic priest. He then went on to tell me about his faith journey. He had grown up in Lynnwood, WA but recently moved to Spokane. He spoke of a priest who did the funeral for his grandfather and aunt. He then said this priest also helped with a Confirmation retreat for his parish. He said to me, “this priest’s name was Fr. Northrop.” I said, “that’s me!” It was a blessed and humbling encounter!
Have a blessed week!
Father Jim
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