I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing, says the LORD.
During my three weeks of service at the Philmont Scout Ranch, I had the fortunate opportunity to spend a week with Bishop Michael Fisher. Bishop Fisher is the Bishop of Buffalo, New York and has been appointed by the United States Catholic Bishops to be the liaison to Catholic Scouting. Having hiked at Philmont as a scout 52 years ago, Bishop Fisher enjoyed his return to these blessed mountains. It was clear he was able to relax, and particularly enjoyed his time visiting with scouts, celebrating mass at the small local church and sharing fraternity with us priests. I was grateful that he was able to be refreshed and renewed during these days with us.
With all these thoughts in mind, I thought I would write to you about our relationship with our bishops, the burdens of their ministry and ask for your prayers and support. The bishops are tasked with carrying out the mission of the Apostles who, united with Peter, the rock and foundation of the Church, taught and ministered in the name of the Risen Christ. This mission was to continue throughout time and has, therefore, been passed on to their successors. Our bishops today are teachers and shepherds, united with the Pope, successor of Peter, in a world that continues to be hostile and, many times, impervious to the Gospel. They are also subject to a great deal of hostility from within the Church. On the internet, in the blogosphere and social media world, bishops are targets of all ideological groups. They are scrutinized by a media that does not care to understand the theological and pastoral mission of a bishop and prefers to develop them into caricatures of intolerance. Our newest bishops also inherit the righteous anger directed at predecessors who failed to comprehend and prevent the abuse of children. They also begin their service within a crisis of religious intolerance which threatens religious liberties in our nation and abroad. How could anyone be prepared to take on this weighty task? Do they not deserve the same concern and support that we so willingly give our parish priests?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus promised shepherds “so that the faithful may no longer fear and tremble.” Without our bishops, we would not be Church. I ask you to join me in praying for our bishops, especially our own Bishop Barres, his assisting bishops and all who serve the Church as apostolic successors. They are the shepherds Christ himself promised us. May their fears, doubts and human weakness not keep them from serving as they have been called by God for us.
Father, you know all hearts. You have chosen your servant for the office of bishop. May he be a shepherd to your holy flock, and a high priest blameless in your sight, ministering to you night and day; may he always gain the blessing of your favor and offer the gifts of your holy Church. Through the Spirit who gives the grace of high priesthood, grant him the power to forgive sins as you have commanded, to assign ministries as you have decreed, and to loose every bond by the authority which you gave to your apostles. Prayer of Consecration for the Ordination of Bishops
FAMILY FESTIVAL – The summer Family Festival concludes this weekend and in the name of our school community, I thank everyone who supported the Festival with your attendance and financial support. In the name of the entire parish, as well as the larger community, I also want to express gratitude to the school parents who volunteered so much time over the last two weeks. Beyond the weeks of the Festival, the School Board and our Principal, Mr. Brian Jensen, dedicated countless hours to preparation and planning.
Our parish and school are also indebted to the community support that allows the Festival to happen. We are grateful to our sponsors who are key to the financial success of the Festival. Thank you as well to our neighbors who graciously accommodate the Festival each year. Additionally, we are grateful once again for the assistance and support of the Town of Oyster Bay, the Nassau County Police Department, Atlas Security and Newton Shows.
Peace