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It is my vision that we, being the People of God, a living and breathing church family, truly a family of faith, will continue to deepen our love and spirituality while growing in our likeness with Christ. As the bread and wine are miraculously transformed into the body and blood of Christ so too is it my hope that we are transformed into being more Christ-like and responsible for our sisters and brothers we find near or far.
That we as the People of God, may be a place of prayer, comfort and hope, where dreams can come true and where we find ourselves embraced by God’s love. As we journey in faith we continue to practice forgiveness and conversion while generously giving to those in need and welcoming (that which we do so well) without judgment, all who come to the Lord, the Lord who walks among us with kindness, love, and forgiveness in the hope that we will be continuously transformed and come to be Christ to one another.
As Pastor, I sanction the efforts of our community to attain this vision. To bring us closer to fulfilling our hopes for a truly Christian community, I, in my role as spiritual father at the Church of the Holy Family, encourage:
…Full participation in the Eucharist- celebrating our diversity amongst our unity while praising God first and foremost as well as celebrating the richness of our gifts as one family of faith.
…Open and honest dialogue within all committees and ministries; communicating as often as possible with as many means as possible. To listen to another person into discernment with respect and dignity.
…Education and awareness; making resources available for members to be informed on all matters of faith. Being innovative and creative, using our skills and talents in reaching out to all of God’s people.
…Full participation in stewardship; moving beyond horizons and challenging members to new tasks. Personal invitation to the abundance of gifts in our midst, those waiting to be asked. Personal invitation so others will use their time, treasure, and talents to carry the weight of the poor who need to be fed, the sick who need comfort, and the outcasts who need welcome and love. Only this is possible with the work of your hearts and hands.
…Prayer, individual and communal (Eucharist), through scripture, mediation, retreat, and adoration: providing visible opportunities for prayer.
We have so much potential. I believe in you; I believe in all that you do and I am most grateful for what you have done and what you will do in the name of Jesus Christ.
And with the courage of John XXIII who was faithful to the spirit of God. John XXIII “Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do. We are not on earth as museum-keepers, but to cultivate a flourishing garden of life, and to prepare for a glorious future."
God's blessings and love,
Fr. Michael
Pastor
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Come to me.... - 6/2/2010 |
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"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you ... |
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Community of Love - 5/18/2010 |
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This past weekend I preached on the fact that Jesus is praying for us, even now, for unity so tha... |
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New Carpet and Floor for the Church - 5/4/2010 |
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As many of you know our carpet is 17 years old and it is time for a new one. Actually I believe w... |
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Gratitude for Wells in Africa - 4/27/2010 |
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This Lenten and Easter Season, we challenged ourselves to dream a dream - to bring water to a vil... |
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Happy Easter - 4/7/2010 |
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I pray that you all had a wonderful Easter with family and friends. It was wonderful to celebrate... |
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Lent Begins - 2/16/2010 |
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As you know Lent begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday. 9:00 a.m. Mass, 4:00 p.m. Prayer Service... |
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Haiti Relief - 1/29/2010 |
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I want to thank you all for you most generous donation of over $13,000.00 to Haitian Relief.&... |
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Deanery Update - 1/27/2010 |
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This is information regarding our Pastoral Planning Project within our Willimantic Deanery.
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Prayers for Haiti - 1/14/2010 |
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You all know of the devastating earthquake in Haiti and our prayers go out to our s... |
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Merry Christmas - 12/22/2009 |
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The great German Dominican Priest and Spiritual writer Meister Eckhart once asked, "What g... |
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Guest Speaker and Address - 12/18/2009 |
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This coming weekend, December 19/20, we will have a guest speaker at all the Masses. His n... |
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Advent Challenge - 12/9/2009 |
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I realize that many of you are busy preparing for Christmas; year after year I think we all s... |
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Happy Thanksgiving - 11/24/2009 |
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I wish you and all of your family a blessed Thanksgiving. I hope you will hav... |
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Sieze Today - 11/17/2009 |
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This past weekend I spoke on Carpe Diem and siezing the moment, the breath of life,... |
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Al Saints and All Souls - 10/30/2009 |
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This weekend we celebrate the Feast of All Saints and All Souls and during the mont... |
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Feast of All Souls - 10/21/2009 |
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On my way to another church I saw the sign, "Jesus built a bridge with two planks and three n... |
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Healing Mass - 6/7/2009 |
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My dear sisters and brothers in Christ:
This Sunday, June 7, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. we... |
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Guide for Holy Week - 4/2/2009 |
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Dear Parishioners:
Here is a guide for Holy Week. I hope you can join us. May the R... |
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Bill 1098 - 3/14/2009 |
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By now you have all heard of the State of Connecticut legislative Bill 1098 which attempte... |
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Happy Lent - 2/23/2009 |
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Happy Lent to you all! It is hard to believe of it's arrival.
As you know, F... |
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Prayer Time - 1/29/2009 |
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"If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts"
When you read this m... |
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Baptismal Remberance - 1/9/2009 |
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This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord which inaugurates His publi... |
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Happy New Year - 1/2/2009 |
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I pray that you all have a most blessed New Year. I pray for your health, happiness, and h... |
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Merry Christmas - 12/24/2008 |
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I found some words dating back to 1970 in midst of turmoil and financial difficulties as I... |
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Christmas Reflection - 12/19/2008 |
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This past weekend I had the chance to spontaneously reconnect with friends of mine - I had... |
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Advent Prayer - 12/11/2008 |
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Just a reminder that Fr. John Baptist Pesce will be here at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December ... |
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Love one another - 10/21/2008 |
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We had a wonderful Hunger Banquet this past weekend with the opportunity to recognize the ... |
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Banquet of Salvation - 10/15/2008 |
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I want to thank you for coming to church and responding to Jesus' invitation to celebrate ... |
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Daily Eucharist - 9/12/2008 |
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While recently talking to some parishioners they were unaware of our daily Mass schedule s... |
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Child-Like Love - 9/4/2008 |
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(Just a note of clarification to all who receive these e-mails. If you wish to respond to ... |
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A prayer for the World - 8/20/2008 |
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With the warm days and cool nights and it so wonderful to soak in the beauty of God's crea... |
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Prayer Time - 8/1/2008 |
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With the summer months we take vacation and try to find time to relax and soak in the beau... |
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Chosen in Love - 6/12/2008 |
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We had an absolutely beautiful Healing Mass on Sunday. Thank you for all of your pr... |
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