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September 4, 2022Dear Parishioners,
Last week you may have noticed a few things missing on the property: trees, a fence, and the green shipping container. After the break-in of the convent a few weeks ago we needed a way to increase building visibility. The fence near the convent was in terrible disrepair and we removed it easily. We emptied the green shipping container and sold it to Wood and Wire Fence Company. Finally, Stanley Tree Service removed three trees from the property: two near the convent and one near the rectory garage. While I do not like cutting down trees it needed to be done. Two trees were dying, and another was at risk of falling into a neighbor’s yard. With those tasks finished we now have a much better view of the convent building. In the weeks ahead we will be doing more to beautify that area of the property.
This past Friday I attended Mass at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Their mission is the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation of priestly candidates aged 30 and older. This seminary is the only American seminary for those called to the priesthood later in life. I will be teaching one course once a week there called philosophical ethics. This will help form a solid foundation for them when they study theology. I look forward to teaching them about the history of ethics, virtue ethics and natural law. Please pray for me (and for the students)!
This Thursday, September 8th the Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Two times a year we remember the birth of Mary. Each celebration has its place. On December 8th the Immaculate Conception recalls Mary’s greatness and her singular privilege through grace of becoming a worthy vessel for Christ. The readings for September 8th, particularly the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel, tell us the reason for the feast. Namely, we focus on Mary’s pivotal role in salvation history.
With any history we go back to the beginning. In the Gospel we go all the way back to Abraham; to the book of Genesis. Genesis recalls the story of the Fall of humanity through the sin of Adam and Eve. The Old Testament tells the story of God’s rescue plan; forming a people, giving the Law, and sending the prophets. His rescue plan reaches its climax with the birth of Mary. What was undone in the beginning is recreated. Whereas in Genesis Adam was created first, Eve comes first. Mary is the new Eve. Whereas Eve becomes the mother of a sinful humanity, Mary becomes the mother to a recreated humanity through her son, the New Adam. Through Him and the grace received through Baptism, we too become recreated sons and daughters. In short, today we recall Mary’s pivotal role in the recreation of humanity. The purpose of Mary’s birth and life was not merely to be the Mother of God. She also intercedes for us. If you can, please join us at daily Mass for this wonderful feast.
Finally this past week school began for everyone. It was wonderful seeing our students bright eyed and ready for another year. A blessed and healthy school year to everyone.
God bless,
Fr. Barrow
