A Word from Your Pastor - May 25

Dear Parishioners:

As the Golden Jubilee of our School comes to its close, we are invited to look ahead to the future.  Over the past four years, we have celebrated Parish (2011-2012) and School (2013-2014) with a look back at the past and we have given thanks to God and to those who have built our community.  This has been a rich experience for all of us.  As we observe Memorial Day, thanking those who have sacrificed for our nation’s freedom, we also call to mind the sacrifice of the past and present members of our Saint Timothy family.

Human generations are considered to be 20-25 years, so we are now entering into our third generation of life as a Parish and School.  The first two generations have set a foundation for us. We have a vibrant parish and a school that is full of energy.  We have families of two and three generations who have been part of our community.  We also have new members who join us in our march through history.

Our Patron Saint Timothy was a third-generation believer in his family.  St. Paul reminded him of the faith he learned from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice.  (II Timothy 1:5)  He was also a third-generation Christian in the Apostolic community: the 12 Apostles, the Apostle Paul, and then Timothy, disciple of Paul.  This means that we are just now reaching the stage of our Patron’s experience of the responsibility of preserving and passing on the gift we have received.  Will we make our Heavenly Patron proud of us?

In order to move forward, we need to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd.  We need to respond to the call to be servants.  We also need to be open to the impulse of the Holy Spirit Who is at work among us.  What are the gifts that can be found in our community that will help us on our way as we strive to share the Faith?  Are we aware of the needs of those around us and do we follow the Shepherd into the pastures where He leads us?

As we move into the Summer, please keep in mind that our life as a parish family continues even though School lets out!  We need you to be with us for Mass and for all the activities that summer brings.  If you travel for vacation, pick up a bulletin for your Pastor and see what our brothers and sisters are doing in other parishes.

This weekend, two new priest are ordained for the Diocese of Columbus – Father Vincent Nguyen (who was a seminarian intern at St. Timothy a few years ago) and Father Cyrus Haddad.  Pray that their new ministry may be long and fruitful.  Someday soon, may we have one of our own ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Columbus.  We owe this to our heritage and to the memory of the many priests and seminarians from other parishes who have served among us.

Note:  Saturday, June 7, we will have a First Saturday Mass at 8:30 a.m.  All are invited.