Dear St. Louis Parishioners,
Last weekend, our high school youth ministry group got off to a great start to the new year. Part of the evening included a chance to debut a new room set aside for their use. It was a very happy moment to witness them gleefully taking ownership of their room, instantly making themselves at home. As with a number of our rooms, like I mentioned last week, a picture hangs outside of its patron, Saint Maria Goretti (front cover). As you may know, Maria Goretti is one of the great patrons of youth. While still a young girl, she committed herself so ardently to the Lord, that she not only died in defense of her purity, but made an outward act of forgiveness of her attacker. What incredible heroic charity! May her witness continue to inspire these young people, every time they enter this new room. As well as the introduction of this room under her patronage, the teens also learned about three other saints, who will serve as their patrons, and then we ended the night by calling on a number of the saints together in adoration, asking their intercession for the personal spiritual resolutions they had just made. Isn’t it awesome to know that we have the prayerful reinforcement of the saints?! May we continually look to heaven for the prayerful aide of our brothers and sisters, who have already entered into the full glory of Christ’s victory. Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us!
MAKING IT A LITTLE HOMIER: As you can see from these pictures of the inside, the Goretti Room already has a warm, homey feeling to it. But, you may notice something is missing. We have very little furniture. We are not looking for a donation of something nice and brand new. In fact, we have at least one piece we know is coming later. But, if anyone has any gently used furniture that is ready to find a new home, please don’t hesitate to let Caylee know at stl.cayleekennedy@gmail.com.
AWAY ON RETREAT: I will be leaving this Sunday afternoon for my annual priestly retreat, where I will be through Thursday evening. Since I will be back by the weekend, you will hardly notice I am gone. But, if you do need to get ahold of me this week, that is why I will be unavailable. Please keep me in your prayers, that I may have fruitful time of prayer and reflection with the Lord. And know of my prayers for you as well. In Christ through Mary, Fr. Gifford
St. Louis, pray for us! Blessed Mary, Queen Mother of the King of Kings, pray for us!