Thank you for all you do, so often unseen and unsung, but of the utmost importance. The month of May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our spiritual mother, whose humble fiat to God brought Christ into this world.
I’d highlight a couple happenings in the parish this week. We have a Mass of Healing and Remembrance for all parents who have lost a child before birth or baptism. Anyone can attend. It will be this Thursday, May 13th, at 7pm.
Also, as you might have read about in a recent Leaven article, there is a “Rethinking Justice Workshop: A Citywide Scripture Study” in which I am personally involved, but all are invited to attend virtually. Over 30 different clergy from Johnson County over the last several months have explored the creation of a new Interfaith organization that brings congregations together to fulfill the call to do justice. Priests throughout the area were first encouraged by Archbishop Naumann to join in the discussion. But it has since blossomed into a strong Interfaith initiative including Catholic, Protestant, Non-Denominational Christian, and Jewish congregations throughout the county. The workshop is on Zoom, Tuesday, May 11th, 6:00-7:45pm. To register and learn more, please go to: bit.ly/rethinkingjustice. Over 30 Johnson County and 20 Wyandotte County congregations are participating, plus the Kansas City Archdiocese Office of Social Justice is sponsoring the workshop. My hope is it will give a cross section of our members exposure to the difference between justice and mercy, offer concrete examples of things similar faith-based organizations have done in other cities, and prepare Prince of Peace to be an active member beginning this fall.
Let us also join the world, as Pope Francis has called us, to pray for the end of the Pandemic. Thirty different Marian shrines throughout the world are hosting prayers each day of the month. I know things are getting better and better here, but there still are deaths and serious illnesses, and large outbreaks in other parts of the world.
Let us stay close to our mother Mary always and ask for her intercession.
Peace, Fr. Greg