ear Parishioners and visitors,

I want to write about two topics for this weekend. The first is the very good news that our newly ordained transitional deacon, Rev. Mr. James Kimmell, has been assigned to our parish for most of this coming summer. I am grateful to Bishop Koenig for assigning us the new deacon. I know that you will warmly welcome him and I am sure that you will have the opportunity to meet him and to get to know him. We graciously welcome him to our parish and we ask God to bless him, guide him, and guard him. Also, please pray for him, all of our seminarians in formation, and for an increase in vocations for our Diocese.

I also wanted to share a bit about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. About 43 years ago, I met Mr. Paul Collins for the first time. For many years Mr. Collins was Mr. Vincent de Paul for our Diocese. A popular phrase of his was “the Vincent de Paul Society is the best kept secret in the Catholic Church.” This statement was true then and it is probably still true today. The members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Vincentians, do a great deal of ministry to people who have a wide variety of needs. They do so without fanfare or hoopla. They don’t do it for praise or recognition. They do it because they are faith- filled disciples of Jesus Christ. They seek holiness by striving to serve our brothers and sisters. Through their service, they exemplify a deep love of God and deep love of our neighbors. They do their best to love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. For more information on the mission of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, I would invite you to go to the St. Vincent de Paul Society website (https://stannbb.org/organizations/social- concerns/st-vincent-depaul/), to sign up for their newsletter, to attend a local meeting, or to speak to a member of the society.

The website says several things I want to share with you. Firstly, “Vincentians are women and men who are compelled by our Catholic Christian Faith to serve those who are needy and suffering.” Secondly, “from rental assistance and homelessness prevention, to thrift stores and food pantries, to disaster recovery, and charitable pharmacies, we share our time and treasure with those who need help and hope. We believe EVERYONE deserves a fair chance at a bright future, regardless of income or life circumstances.” Care of God’s family is a core teaching of our Catholic faith. We cannot stand by and do nothing when our neighbor is hungry, thirsty, naked, in prison, sick, lonely, afraid. We are compelled to respond. That is what Vincentians do every day.

One of the reasons I am looking forward to the construction of our new Parish Center is because a section of the building will become the base for our parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society. They will be able to help more people because they will have the space and equipment that they need to do so. Loving our neighbor is at the very heart of our faith. As Christ has loved us, so we are called to love one another.

Recalling the words of Mr. Collins, we know that Vincentians don’t do all that they do for praise, honor, or glory. They do it simply because they are men and women of faith. St. Vincent dew Paul, pray for us!
 

Have A Great Bethany Beach Week!
Stay Safe! Stay Healthy!

Thank you to all of those who have made a pledge or given a gift to the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal. I am most grateful for your generous response. If you have not yet done so, it is still possible to make a pledge or to give a gift. Your generosity helps the Diocese to continue its many good works. Your generosity provides direct assistance to someone in our Diocese. Be a lifeline, be an angel to a brother or sister. Help bring Christ’s light to another person. Pledge envelopes can be found at the entrances of both churches.

St. Francis de Sales School in Salisbury Maryland will be expanding their school to include a 9th grade this coming September. What a wonderful opportunity to be part of an expanded Catholic School. For more information, go to the website of St. Francis de Sales School and scroll down to the heading “Academics,” and look for Upper School. You will learn about the exciting news of a Catholic High School in our area. Also, you can call the school for information at (410) 749-9907.

A Prayer for Vocations

Father, You call each one of us by name and ask us to follow You.
Bless Your Church by raising up dedicated and generous
leaders from our families and friends who will serve Your people
as Sisters, Priests, Brothers and Deacons.
Inspire us as we grow to know You and
open our hearts to hear Your call.
We ask this in Jesus name.
Amen.

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