ST. TERESA OF AVILA PARISH

From the Pastor's Desk

July 1st/2nd, 2006

Dear Friends,

    Hot eh??? Whoeeee!!! I never seem to remember this in the middle of January when I long for summer!!!

Happy 4th! So much has been given to us by our early fathers (and mothers!) The Declaration of Independence was a huge step to be taken by a small group of people who risked their good names, their monies and their lives. ..Freedom was not just a word to them...it was a laying down of their life and a number of them did die, many lost everything and a few lived through it all to further lead this land. Can we go back for a moment and consider what it means to be a real, true leader when you live for the people and the destiny of God for all peoples?

For instance, a priest is not a priest for any material gain, any wonderful experiences of wife and children and grandchildren. ..a priest is not a priest for I himself...even unto older age...like me... almost 70... . I would be long retired in the world of business and probably very content with that life. ..the big decisions need to be made for the common good...and that does mean, at times, being hurt! We do know that...the early fathers knew...there comes a moment when destiny...life...and God all come together and one must follow for any meaning...we have about 8,000 peoplehere and most of us would never come to a general agreement on much as we are individuals, from different families...life...sufferings and hurt...Yet we are here. ..who will point the way to life? No one does it totally well, all make mistakes but one goes forward with hope, and prayer and deep love for especially the least of our people...we do that well here together at St. Teresa.     My determination for life and my own struggles with living beyond anyone else's demands comes from the common good...where Jesus lives...His call to us all...to lay down our life for our friends! Many think they know all the answers and even the questions... I freely admit I do not...however I do know of the weakness and the power and the good of people and I do know about pain and evil and suffering...it's all real...one simply accepts the responsibility one has, knowing the journey of choosing for a bigger purpose than oneself...and decides to follow the light! DOING A LOT OF PRAYING AND CONSULTING IS VITAL!!

In truth we can still pray for everyone...for truth...for justice...and  pray for the light and healing... But we live as Church...together...and that is where Christ comes to us through Eucharist and hope to bring to us what we need to live well and honestly and hopefully. ..

So...in the end...the Fathers stood for the common good, ready to pay whatever price is demanded. They chose the "High Road"!!! We must do the same. I Thank God I have wonderful advisors and strong faith people who have guided me through all these years!  In the end it comes to..."I have heard"...usually not truthful and gossip or "I will work for life and hope...really work..." And then we change the world.

Thank you for you...without you nothing would be possible for this parish. For what we do in so many ways in living the gospel through thick and thin, believ­ing that God will make it all right and good...You are a blessed and wonderful people. ..the descendants of the Fathers and Mothers...all are created equal...with a manifest destiny given from the Creator! Happy 4th of July!!! Bless you all...we will never lose all the doubt and pain and fear that the world seems to live in...we will not give in to it...because we are not alone...We are of and with the Creator God!!! -just like the "Fathers" of yesterday!

Blessings,
Fr. Jerry Hanley

May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and grant you always His peace...
                                                                                                                                               Numbers 6: 24-25
 

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