10th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
Today we commemorate the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time as we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Day. In the Gospel reading we find references to “home,” “family” and a “divided house.” The Lord Jesus in this periscope is with His Apostles exercising His ministry of reconciliation and healing. In doing so the forces of darkness are being defeated by the love which the Savior demonstrates in His words and deeds. Even family members are perplexed by this activity which is bringing about extraordinary changes.
 
Last Sunday the announcement was made regarding the changes coming to our house, which is our parish, as a result of the clergy transfers which will become effective on June 29th. We will be saying “goodbye” to Father Pawel but he’s not going far. He has been assigned as the administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on East Main Street replacing me as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish. Replacing Father Pawel here, as parochial vicar, is the newly ordained priest, Father Matt.
 
I very much concur with the Bishop’s decision to appoint a resident pastor (administrator for now) to Sacred Heart after nearly 20 years without. This move is a wonderful sign of the Bishop’s confidence in the people of Sacred Heart Church that they will support their pastor. The appointment of a resident administrator/pastor will in no way dissolve the close cooperation and life shared between our parish and Sacred Heart. Father Pawel and I will be working closely together to maintain this collaboration and will promote even more opportunities for both our parishes to witness to the Gospel here in Rockaway. I know that both parishes will be helping one another to grow in faith and ministry. Therefore, our “divided houses” will continue to be a family of mutual concern and collaboration serving both of our parishioners.
 
One of the many things we share with Sacred Heart Parish is Divine Mercy Academy. This school was brought to life with the joining together of Sacred Heart of Jesus School and Saint Cecilia School. Last Friday the second graduation exercises were held in which 16 students graduated from 8 ^th  Grade. The cooperation and commitment of both Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Cecilia parishioners makes it possible for us to provide a Catholic school in Rockaway. Our support of Divine Mercy Academy is proof of our commitment to Catholic education for our young people. Our sacrifices produce young people who are formed by the Gospel on a daily basis and shaped by Christian values. What a great work our two houses (Sacred Heart and Saint Cecilia) are doing together as one family.
 
May the Lord continue to bless us as we serve Him in Rockaway!
Father Zig