Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
Today is the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the Gospel passage which is proclaimed we hear of the sickness of the Apostle Peter’s mother-in-law. The Lord Jesus “ grasped her by the hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.” Later in the passage we read, “ He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and drove out many demons…” Throughout His ministry the Lord Jesus healed all those who came to Him from physical and spiritual illness. He restored them to health and wholeness, physically and spiritually.
 
Health of body and spirit continues to be a priority for the Church which continues the ministry of Jesus Christ. Spiritual healing come to us in the celebration of the sacrament of penance and the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. In these sacraments we experience the forgiveness of our sins and the grace to have strength to fight against evil.
 
Our ministry to the sick also includes our pastoral visits to the hospitalized and the homebound. Our priests, deacons and lay ministers are always available to provide pastoral care for those absent from our liturgical assemblies due to illness. Families are once again reminded that due to confidentiality laws, family members must notify the parish office when a loved one is in the hospital or moved to another care facility if a pastoral visit is requested. Care facilities do not notify the parish if a parishioner is admitted, the family must notify the parish office. When the day comes and I am admitted to the hospital I want to make sure that I have a doctor and a priest taking care of me!! I hope you would feel the same!
 
Next Sunday, February 11th is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day of the Sick. On this day the Holy See reminds us of the care and dignity we must show those who are sick and disabled. We must sow the same compassion and care as was demonstrated by our Savior.
 
Today we will conduct the traditional blessing of the throat at all weekend Masses in honor of the Feast of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, whose feast was celebrated yesterday. Saint Blaise was a 4th century Bishop in Armenia who had miraculously cured a boy who was chocking. This blessing is just one reminder in the liturgical calendar of the Church’s ministry for the health and healing of all people.
 
In conclusion, should you know of someone who is in need of a pastoral visit from the clergy or lay ministers please do not hesitate to contact me. We will be happy to visit and provide the sacramental care requested.
 
God bless you!
Father Zig