Understanding Depression

The OLM Wellness Committee invites you to view a video featuring committee members and expert guests as they discuss depression and depressive symptoms. This video will help you to recognize possible signs and symptoms in your life or in others.. Resources are available at the end of the video. Any questions or information from the video can be addressed to the Wellness Committee.

WATCH THE VIDEO

From the Pastor

Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,

I pray that you are all doing well and are safe.

This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe! This feast was originally added to the Church’s liturgical calendar by Pope Pius XI in 1925. It was a time when it was historically vital to assert the universal reign of Jesus Christ against the rising power of secular states, nationalism, and the threat of totalitarian regimes.

Pope Paul VI moved the Solemnity of Christ the King to the last Sunday before the beginning of a new liturgical year to emphasize the eschatological significance of the celebration. Today we celebrate Christ’s second coming in glory even as we get ready for the Advent season that prepares us to celebrate his first coming at Christmas.

What has that to do with us? Well, this celebration serves as a reminder and call for us to submit ourselves completely to Jesus’ dominion. Jesus is the universal king. He must reign in our minds, in our hearts, and in our bodies so that, in submission to the will of God, we will serve as instruments of God’s grace for the sanctification of the whole world.

Brothers and sisters, in virtue of our baptism, we have become followers of Christ with the name “Christian.” That means, we are brothers and sisters in Christ and heirs of God’s kingdom. We are called to follow what God commanded so we may inherit that kingdom. Sunday after Sunday we hear those commands. This Sunday is no exception. Pay attention to what God is telling us to do.

Also, please pay attention to what we have in our bulletin and announcements. Participate in our events and activities. In this pandemic, we have limited in-person engagements and meetings. What we offer is for your own spiritual nourishment. Do not starve your soul. Feed your spirit like you feed your body.

Our Giving Tree will soon be on display. Your generosity will be highly appreciated, as always. Because of the pandemic, instead of requesting particular items, we will be asking for cash donations or gift cards. Each institution that receives your donations will then buy gifts for our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

Thank you and God bless you.

Love,

Father Marty