Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear.
These words from the First Letter of Saint Peter remind us that faith is not something we argue about with others, it is something we live in a way that invites questions. “Always be ready” doesn’t mean having perfect answers or polished arguments. It means living with a visible hope—one that is steady, joyful, and grounded enough that others notice and wonder where it comes from.
What matters just as much as what we say is how we say it. Gentleness and reverence suggest humility, not superiority; and listening without disregarding. Authentic witness happens when our words match our lives, when kindness, patience, and integrity quietly support what we profess to believe.
Keeping a clear conscience is key. When we strive to live honestly before God and others, our explanation of hope becomes credible. People may forget arguments, but they remember authenticity. They remember kindness and compassion. They remember when our testimony of faith is offered with a desire for the good of others.
In the end, sharing our faith is less about defending a position and more about revealing a relationship—one that gives us hope worth sharing.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY – On this Mother’s Day, we give thanks to God for the gift of mothers and remember with gratitude all mothers: those with us today, those who have gone before us into eternal life, those who are expecting, those who long to be mothers, and all women who share in the spiritual motherhood of the Church. May the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary inspire and strengthen every mother, and may God bless them abundantly today and always.
PARISH EVENTS – I want to acknowledge two successful parish events that have happened recently.
Radio Bingo – On Friday May 1st we hosted our second “Radio Bingo” night. Approximately 200 people attended this enjoyable evening. Radio Bingo is a family-friendly event that includes several rounds of bingo, dancing, singing, and prizes. All proceeds from Radio Bingo support our Parish Social Ministry office which services guests with a food pantry, emergency economic support and budgeting guidance. Thank you to Sister Carol, Ann, the volunteers and all who attended.
Saint Rose Of Lima Golf Outing – This Monday our parish and school participated in an inaugural golf outing, raising funds and building community. It was a beautiful and joyful day for all, and I want to express my thanks to parishioners and school families who worked hard to plan and organize the event. I am also grateful to the people and entities who financially sponsored the day. The generosity of all allowed us to not only have an enjoyable day that supports the mission of our school and parish.
NEW NIGERIAN VINCENTIAN MISSION – This week it was announced that Bishop Barres has entrusted the Parish of St. Martin of Tours in Bethpage to the Nigerian Vincentian Community, effective June 24, 2026. Fr Michael Ngoka CM, currently serving at St. Agnes Cathedral, will be appointed pastor and our own Fr. Michael Iroh, CM will be appointed to serve as the associate pastor. We thank Fr. Michael for his service to our parish as he prepared to be a part of his community’s mission here in our diocese. In the coming months we will have an opportunity to celebrate Fr. Michael. We await further news concerning the appointment of an additional priest to St. Rose.
ASCENSION OF THE LORD — Each church year, forty days after Easter Sunday, we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, a key component in the paschal mystery. The ascension and glorification of the risen Christ, speaks to the final phase in Jesus’ “passing over” from earth to heaven. It is also in this moment that Jesus gives the commission to his disciples to preach, teach, evangelize, and baptize all nations. Celebrating this important feast day helps us to share in the mission of Jesus Christ, sanctifying the world and preceding us to heaven.
Ascension of the Lord Mass Schedule: Wednesday, May 13th at 4 p.m.; Thursday May 14th at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Peace!
