Dear St. Gabriel Parishioners:
- In the words of Archbishop Paul Etienne: Our goal with this guidance is to ensure safety, protect the vulnerable among us and support the common good. Please remember that many people are unvaccinated and may not be able to receive the vaccine for various reasons. As a welcoming Catholic Church, we must ensure they feel safe and welcome to worship in person.
The following are a few top items that you may be wondering about:
- We will continue to Live Stream Mass each weekend.
- Holy Water is not allowed in the fonts. This will return the weekend of July 24th, 2021
- Sign of Peace is still not allowed. This will return the weekend of July 24th, 2021
- Presentation of the Gifts by the Faithful. This will return the weekend of July 24th, 2021
- At this time, Congregational Singing is still not allowed, instead sing in your heart and soul, with the Cantor. This is expected to return the weekend of August 28th, 2021
- Children’s Liturgy is still not allowed. This will return the weekend of Sept. 11th, 2021
- No Social Gatherings such as Coffee/Donuts Breakfast, Luncheons or Dinners. No Date Yet.
- Precious Blood is still allowed for the congregation. No Date Yet.
Please see further information on what changes in Covid-19 in effects starting now and what changes remained unchanged in this bulletin or on our parish website: www.stgabepop.org
- Thank you for your understanding and support of our Parish Staff Development last week, the Offices of St. Gabriel and Prince of Peace Parishes are open for parish business again.
- The Scripture readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time are the themes of sheep and shepherding. In the New Testament, the image of the shepherd expresses great authority and responsibility. When the Scriptures describe Jesus as having pity on his flock because they were "like sheep without a shepherd" in Mark’s Gospel, the image is drawn from Ezekiel 34.
"Like sheep without a shepherd" is a description of the spiritual lives of many 21st century Christians in the world today. The expression describes many of our contemporaries who are directionless, helpless, and very vulnerable to the evil one. "Sheep without a shepherd" are more than just a little lost; they are more than just a little vulnerable. They are, in fact, facing danger and destruction.
From time to time, despite our best intentions, we find ourselves among those in need, those who are like sheep without a shepherd. At times we ask ourselves: "Where on earth can we find this compassion to share with others?" I have learned that only in solitude before God, faced only with ourselves, can we learn the compassion of God.
Jesus called his disciples to join him in the desert: "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile"; there we learn mercy and become in our day bearers of the compassion of Christ.
- Congratulation St. Gabriel Parishioners. We met our parish goal for 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal. A BIG word of thanks to the many families who have, once again, helped support this year. If you didn’t have an opportunity of filling your commitment envelope yet, please join with many of your parishioners to help put our parish beyond our goal; because whatever over our goal will be used to upgrade our parish sound and video system.
- While enjoying the “Summer rest”, please don’t forget our parishes – Gabriel and Prince of Peace.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang