30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
 In our celebration of the Lord’s Day we commemorate the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the Old Testament and Gospel lections we hear about the significance of prayer. The prayer of the humble and poor is especially pleasing to the Lord who only knows the proud from a distance. The Lord God is moved by the sincerity and faith of His servants who come before Him in prayer acknowledging their sins.
 
Our prayers are very powerful and do not go unnoticed by the Lord for “ The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds…” We pray with confidence trusting that God “ hears the cry of the poor.”
 
The poor and underprivileged in Haiti are suffering even more so in these recent times as a result of Hurricane Matthew which has brought great devastation to an already impoverished nation. As members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and Saint Cecilia Church our thoughts immediately go to Blessed Memory, Father Jean Claude St. Martin, who was born in Haiti and died there. Father Jean Claude, who many referred to as the “gentle giant” was highly esteemed by our parishioners. His untimely death brought shock and great sadness to our parish communities which still linger today.
 
 Ironically I received a communication last week asking if our two parishes would be interested in the FATHER JEAN CLAUDE ST. MARTIN FOUNDATION promoting the formation of young people and uplifting of women. Of course my immediate response was a resounding YES. I made contact with the person responsible for the newly established foundation and offered my support.
  
I am happy to say that Father Jean Claude’s brother, also a priest, will be visiting our parish shortly to tell us a little more in detail about the foundation and how we can help. Father Jonas St. Martin is a Holy Cross Father currently stationed at the famous Saint Joseph Oratory in Montreal which was founded by Blessed Andrew Bessette (feast day is January 6th). I will keep you posted as to when Father Jonas will be visiting us and I know that you will want to participate in this cause which will assist the poor of Haiti. In so doing you will remember and pay tribute to our priest who was taken from us all too soon. Like the Apostle Paul, Father Jean Claude can say, “ I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”
 
As a final note, for those who have loved ones buried in Saint Cecilia Cemetery I have instituted a new procedure of which I would like you to be informed. The cemetery will be open only during daylight hours. The cemetery gates will be locked at night and on those days when a snow storm is being anticipated. This is to avoid illegal activity and vandalism at night, as well as to plow the roadway before vehicle traffic begins in the cemetery.
  
God bless you!
Fr. Zig