1171 NE Sand Hill Rd | Belfair, WA 98528

Browsing Pastor's Page

Pastor's Pages 2020-09-06

Dear Parishioners:

  • A “Big word of Thank” for many of you who have responded to the survey on the Weekly Parish Newsletter in regard for the “re-open” the 4:30 PM Mass on Saturday.  We are in the process of getting ready for this re-open after the Labor Day, on Saturday, September 12 at 4:30 PM.
  • From Matthew Gospel for this Sunday reading: “Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised”.  And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." 

Just last week at Caesarea Philippi, Peter was called “Rock.” Now he is called a stumbling block or stone!  Jesus reminds Peter that he understands nothing of the reality and mystery of God’s designs for him and for us!  Jesus tells his disciples if they want to become his followers, they must deny themselves, and take up their cross, and follow him.

Our instinct is to run away from suffering, and when we can't escape from it, to treat it as an enemy that has defeated us; then we are full of complaints and self-pity.  This is the harder way in the end: harder for ourselves and for everyone around us.  The wisdom of the Gospel tells us to face our suffering, not to treat it like an enemy but like a friend, to learn from it, to let it draw us away from self-centered thoughts and feelings, and ultimately to see it as a sharing in the Passion of Christ.

Just a few reflection questions follow our Gospel message this week:

What have been the principal obstacles and the most challenging efforts to raise the question of God in today’s world? What have been the results of asking such a question?

Do my expectations of who Jesus is and what he wants from me keep me closed and resistant to anything beyond those boundaries? How do I form my ideas of Christ and His will? What are they grounded in – the truths transmitted by the Catholic faith, or something else?

When do I make sacrifices for my faith, my family, or others? Are they done grudgingly or with an attitude of joy?

  • Congratulation for the Newly Confirmed from St. Gabriel this past week:  Tuesday, August 25Eanna Babauta, Elijah Calfy, Mariana Corona, Melanie Enriquez, Alejandro Sanchez Huerta, Fernando Sanchez Huerta, Jiselle Javier, Andrew Mattucci, Wyatt Sinclair, Gizelle Anguilar Vidrio and Joshua Wittman.

On Friday, August 28Martin Bauzon, Grace Smith, Lyle Van Scyoc and Lexxie Van Scyoc.  Congratulation, with the Sacrament of Confirmation, you are fully initiated in the Catholic Faith.

  • If you ever been asked to share or explain your faith and hesitate of how to start …!!!  Call the parish office to find out how to join with “other inquirers” to learn, share and refresh the gift of our Catholic faith.
  • Also, “A word of thanks to the many families who have pledged and turned in your commitment envelopes to the Parish and Archdiocesan Office to support the Annual Catholic Appeal 2020 again this year.  Archbishop Etienne has a new video clip on our parish website in regard to the Annual Catholic AppealIt’s not too late to participate …. we’ll be closer to our parish goal with your help today; your continuing supports are as the critical testimony of the commitment for us to be “Church” today in our time.  If you didn’t have an opportunity of filling your commitment envelope yet, please join with many of your parishioners to pledge toward our parish goal.  Please see the bulletin to see how close we are to meet our parish personal goal.
  • While enjoying the “Summer rest”, please don’t forget our parishes – Prince of Peace and St. Gabriel.

 

Christ’s Peace, 
Fr. Phuong Hoang

Subscribe

RSS Feed

Archive