01/21/2018

01/21/2018

father_karl_216Dear Brothers and Sisters, In the second and third Sundays of ordinary time we have the call of disciples. In the third Sunday call and repentance are linked. In every one of our Calls there is change and repentance. In the marriage call there is change because now there is another person in the equation who has to be taken into account and whose views may not always correspond with yours . In the priestly vocation the whole formation process is about discerning and learning whether this is the right call or way for you. Every one of us in life is called to repentance to become more like the Christ we follow. It is a life time journey. This week I attended the funeral Mass of a colleague and a friend Fr Des O’Connor. He entered the seminary before I was born. He was ordained in 1950. He served in various leadership roles in our Society but for the last 34 years he was a beloved associate pastor in Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Mt Arlington NJ. He celebrated three Masses Christmas day. He was close to 92 years of age. He fell a few days later and though he rallied the Lord had other plans. Close to 68 years a priest and still living out the call. Rest in Peace The “harvest is great but the laborers few , Pray the lord for workers to go into his vineyard” . Yes it is a lifetime Journey and God gives the grace. Help us accept the call. Fr Karl