26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
In our gathering to celebrate the Lord’s Day we observe the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. In this Sunday’s Gospel we find the Lord Jesus confronting the “religious elite” who say that they are believers and yet conduct themselves in an unreligious manner. The Lord exalts the tax collectors and prostitutes, formally notorious sinners, who are now counted among the righteous because of their conversion.  The call made by God to holiness was dismissed by some who latter answered it. This same call was put forth to the religious who pretended to answer it but instead ignored it.
 
The call to holiness is too important to ignore. Our response to this call will determine our eternal future. I am looking forward to a meeting I have called with all parents whose children are enrolled in our CCD program, both Saint Cecilia Parish and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. The meeting will take place on Wednesday evening at 7 o’clock in Hayes Hall. I know that this will be a wonderful opportunity for me to share my concerns with our young parents regarding the faith formation of their children. I never get tired of reminding parents that they are the first teachers of religion to their children. The clergy and the religious education staff are the resources which parents use to assist them in seeing that the faith, which comes to us from the Apostles, is handed down to their children. Parents are responsible for strengthening their children’s spiritual life and must guide them on their way to heaven.
 
Saying that we are Christians but ignoring the call to holiness is the subject of today’s Gospel. We must answer the call forthrightly and be determined not to allow anything to deter us from “entering the Kingdom of God.” Above all parents must model a good Christian life; they must not say one thing and do another. An authentic virtuous life is one which we must all live.
 
Like their children, parents need religious education – WE ALL DO!! I remind our parents and all adults, please participate in the faith formation (religious education) opportunities we have in Rockaway. We have weekly faith formation sessions both during the day and in the evening, there’s something for everyone. Please don’t ignore this call to holiness. Let our young people see that we are doing what we are saying!
 
We begin this month of October by being reminded of the SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE FROM CONCEPTION TO NATURAL DEATH. This cause will be especially brought to our attention during the days which will follow.
 
God bless you!
Father Zig