Pastor's Letter

THE OBSTACLE COURSE
Last Sunday in the gospel, Jesus renamed Simon, Peter (meaning “rock”), because of his solid faith.  This week, we hear what happens moments after.  Jesus explains that being the Christ would also mean entering into the Paschal Mystery, which included death on the cross.  Peter, in his concern for Jesus, wanted to protect him from that kind of thinking.
 
That’s when Jesus told Peter to get behind him, because that kind of talking created nothing more than an obstacle to God’s plan for the world.
 
Peter’s intention was to be compassionate, but he didn’t understand the seriousness of Jesus’ mission. His ignorance or unacceptance of the difficult road ahead created an obstacle to what had to be.
 
That’s a good insight for all of us trying to grow in the spiritual life. We have to face the world as it is, not pretending that all may be well and good when it isn’t. The pandemic has created a lot of turmoil, just as the great awareness of the tensions and wounds that racism has caused. When we get behind Jesus, we face into the hurt, anger, fear, fatigue and tension that we see, but we do so with the eyes of hope. Jesus took on suffering to allow all of us to experience a life with God that’s never meant to end.
 

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT FOR THE MIND, HEART & SOUL   Join parishioner and catechist Mary Sullivan for “What Every Catholic Should Know About the Bible.” It will be conducted over Zoom in 4 sessions beginning on Wednesday, September 9.   It’s a great way to learn more about the book of life.  Click  here for more information.

So we accompany him knowing he is accompanying us—even into the difficult burdens we all are carrying. In seeing things as they are, our eyes can be open to a future where things can be different and hopefully even better.
 
WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS
It’s been a blessing to be able to open the doors for 4 Sunday Masses each week: 4:30 PM Saturdays, and 8 AM, 10 AM and Noon on Sundays. We’re able to do it because of the generosity of parishioners who are making the effort to serve as Greeters, Hosts (Ushers) and to help with Clean-Up.
 
We faced many obstacles that have come our way as we reopened the church doors, but we’ve faced them head on because we’ve had help from parishioners willing to roll up their sleeves and serve the community. But, we need to keep going. Every Mass requires a team to help get us through.
 
We’re truly grateful to everyone who says  “yes” week after week, but to keep going, we would like to encourage more and more parishioners to help, too.  If you’re already coming to Mass and can come in a little bit earlier or can stay 10 or 15 minutes afterward, we’d really appreciate a helping hand. You can volunteer as you sign-up for the Mass or you can also leave a message at the parish offices on extension 102.
 
If you haven’t had a chance to watch Christopher Severin’s heartfelt video message about our 60 years of actively participating in parish life, check it out on our YouTube channel—Saint Hubert Catholic Parish. (While you’re there, consider subscribing to our channel! We’re hoping for 1000 subscribers so that we can stream Mass and events live.)
 
As we travel together through the ups and downs, let us continue to keep anchored in prayer.  May God bless you as we get through one day at a time.
 
                 –Fr. Mike