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September 19, 2021Dear Parishioners,
I hope that you are able to read this bulletin in printed form. Last weekend our bulletin company was not able to ship bulletins to the parish. The cause: Hurricane Ida flooded their printing facilities, and they were unable to print last week’s bulletins in time. I hope that such incidences will be rare, but in those circumstances, you can always find the most current issue of the bulletin on our parish website and through our Facebook page.
It does provide an opportunity to speak briefly about metaphysical evil, however. In theology we distinguish between metaphysical evil and moral evil. They differ in their cause. Rational beings cause moral evil when they knowingly and freely act against the good. The limitations inherent in the natural world cause metaphysical evil. For instance, a carnivore flourishes, while the animal it eats ceases to live. Likewise, a hurricane causes destruction but does so by following the laws of nature which ensure that the world functions according to intelligible causes. The limitations of the natural world and the laws of nature cause metaphysical evil. Notice that metaphysical evil may result from moral evil. For instance, when a company willingly dumps poisonous chemicals into a local river that poisons the residents living downstream. The chemicals naturally follow the flow of the river with the result of pain and suffering downstream.
On a happier note, this weekend we installed our Religious Education Teachers. It is our responsibility as Catholics to ensure that the next generation know Christ and his teachings. If we cannot speak intelligibly about Christ, then we will not be able to choose him in the next life. For those who are not able to attend Catholic schools, our Religious Education Teachers and Program provide this necessary corporal work of mercy. I remember when I attended CCD as a child. The prayers, responses, Biblical stories, and moral lessons I learned then shaped my life as a Catholic. I give thanks to those who volunteered to teach me then, and our current volunteers who will teach the next generation of Catholics.
Finally, last Friday at lunch time grandparents and family members of our parish school students attended our annual Grandparent’s Day. It was a chance for students to enjoy lunch on the parish lawn with their grandparents and family members. Fortunately, the weather was excellent and the turnout fantastic. A big thank you to our teachers, staff and 8th grade students who help run the event.
God bless,
Fr. Barrow
