Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus!
The second reading we have this weekend is so fitting for this coming Thursday’s celebration of Thanksgiving Day here in the United States. “Let us give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:12-14) Yes, we give thanks to God for all the good things He has bestowed on us: family, friends, material, physical and spiritual blessings, but above all, we render God thanks for the precious gift of His Son Jesus Christ who came to save us from sin and death.
On this theme of Thanksgiving, our community thanks Bryll Bautista and Erica Hilado for their dedication and loving service to the young people in our Youth Ministry Program. Bryll and Erica were honored during the Youth Recognition Ceremony that took place at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark this past Sunday. May their example inspire their peers and other young people and show them how to be true disciples of Jesus who use their time, talent and treasure to build up God’s kingdom here on earth. Congratulations Bryll and Erica!
Now that the “Appreciate the Word, Live the Word” small group gatherings have ended for this season, I would once again like to thank Father Tom, Father Nol and Jeng Villa for the hard work they put into it. Many thanks also to the facilitators and all those who took part in this scripture program.
As this liturgical year comes to a close, may we look back on our life’s journey and take a closer look on how we are progressing in everything, but especially in our spiritual life. If there are areas in our life that need improvement, this new year, that is, right here and right now, is the time for making resolutions and then changing for the better. May we one day hear Jesus say to us, “You will be with me in Paradise.”
God bless us all and Happy Thanksgiving Day!
Love,
Father Marty