Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [May 17th Bulletin]

Dear St. Philip Neri Family and Friends,

We give praise and thanks to God for His graces and blessings.

Today’s Gospel brings us into a sacred moment of prayer. Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven and speaks to the Father. We hear the loving relationship between the Son and the Father. Jesus praises the Father and prays for His disciples. He knows He is returning to the Father, yet His heart remains with those He loves.

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see the Apostles gathered together in prayer after the Ascension of the Lord. They are not alone. The Blessed Mother is there with them. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, prays with the Church. She encourages them to trust in God’s promises and to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. What a beautiful image for us today: the Apostles praying together, united in faith, with Mary beside them. The Church is always strongest when she is praying.

Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel that our relationship with the Father is not built on fear, but on love. Jesus reveals the goodness of the Father. All the works of God are good. God desires life, mercy, healing, forgiveness, and salvation for His people. Jesus came so that we might know the Father and remain united with Him.

Today, in a special way, we also pray for Deacon Dominic, who has now been ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ as Father Mirenda. What a joyful blessing for the Church. God has called him to continue the mission of Christ the Good Shepherd. We pray that the Lord will bless Father Mirenda with a shepherd’s heart — a heart filled with compassion, humility, patience, and love for God’s people.

May he always preach the Gospel faithfully and bring the mercy of God to others, especially through the Sacraments. Through the Eucharist, may he nourish God’s people with the Body and Blood of Christ. Through Reconciliation, may he bring healing and forgiveness to souls. Through his prayers and presence, may others come to know the love of Jesus.

The priesthood is not simply a job or profession. It is a sharing in the priesthood of Jesus Christ Himself. A priest is called to stand with people in moments of joy and sorrow, at baptisms and funerals, weddings and hospital bedsides, always bringing Christ to His people.

And just as the Apostles were never alone because Mary prayed with them, Father Mirenda will never walk alone. The Blessed Mother will always be with him. Mary always leads her children closer to Jesus. May she protect him, guide him, and intercede for him throughout his priesthood.

My brothers and sisters, today’s readings remind all of us of the importance of prayer, unity, and trust in God. Like the Apostles, we are called to remain faithful in prayer. Like Mary, we are called to trust God completely. Like Jesus, we are called to glorify the Father through lives of love and goodness.

May we continue to pray for our priests, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and for one another. And may Jesus, who prayed for His disciples, continue to pray for us today. During the month of May, we will especially pray for all mothers at our Masses.

Please invite someone to Mass today,

St. Philip Neri, pray for us.

Have a blessed Easter Season,

Fr. Szparagowski