May 11, 2003 – 4^th Sunday of Easter

Dear Parishioners:

The Fourth Easter Sunday always contains in its liturgy the Gospel Reading of the Good Shepherd and therefore became the World Day of Prayer for priestly Vocations. Certainly the first is prayer. Every morning we add an invocation to the prayers of the faithful and we are sure that God listens to our prayer.

We have one young man of the parish who has listened to God’s calling and is preparing himself for the priesthood in the diocese of Calgary. We are still waiting for someone to join the Pallottine Fathers. Certainly for us it takes a double vocation, to the communal life in the Spirit of St. Vincent Pallotti and to the priesthood. Sometimes we share the feeling of couples who have no children and there are no artificial means of fostering vocations. We still trust in the Lord that the drought might end. Next to prayer we need families who are willing to share their children with the community. If you think you have a vocation in your family foster it and let us know. "Lord send labourers into your vineyard and spare your people.

Civically we celebrate Mother’s Day and we thank all our mothers for their love and dedication to their children. When you raise and form your children in the Spirit of Christ, in prayer and mutual love and understanding, we know that you do truly priestly service in your family. And a word of encouragement to all mothers who cry because their children have chosen to stay away from the church community and left their ancestral faith.

The Lord will look upon your tears and console you. Be assured your prayers will be heard.

May the Lord bless you all on this great day and may the resurrection of the Lord lift you up.

Fr. Henry