There are times in our lives when we need inspiration to live closer to Christ’s call to love. One way to be inspired is to go on pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place to deepen our faith through prayer and experience. People have been taking pilgrimages for centuries and they have been inspired into a deeper relationship with Christ and his Church by leading them along paths of new discovery.
I am delighted to announce that I will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in September 27—October 8, 2022 and we will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. I have led two pilgrimages to Holy Land previously and they were life-changing experiences that renewed my faith in Christ. I am extremely excited to lead this opportunity for parishioners to also renew their faith in Christ.
The Holy Land is the “promised land” where God led Moses and the people of Israel. It is the site where Jesus Christ was “made flesh and dwelt among us!” From Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee, from Bethlehem to the Holy City of Jerusalem, we will see with our own eyes the places made holy by our Lord. We will have the opportunity to reflect upon God’s love for us at the sites connected to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus— places that will stir our hearts, deepen our faith and increase our knowledge of Christianity and our Catholic heritage.
After the pilgrimage, I promise you the scriptures come alive in new ways. You will be able to easily imagine yourself in the scenes that you read. It will strengthen your faith and transform you in ways that only the Lord knows. It will be a journey that is grace-filled and life-changing.
Please read more about it on the parish website and sign up for the priority email list to receive more information about it later in the year. Signing up for more information does not commit you to the trip but puts you on priority list and gives us some indication of interest in the parish. Please consider participating in this amazing experience!
Speaking of trips, I will be away for the month of July for a much-needed vacation. I will spend some time with my brother, Paul who has pancreatic cancer and then take some time alone hiking in the mountains of Idaho and Utah. I will not be accessing emails while I am away and I hope you understand my need for a break from the parish. The good news is that Joan Mibach, Fr. Chris and Fr. Thuc along with other staff will be here; so the parish is in good hands.
July 1st will be my first anniversary as pastor, and it has been a fantastic year for me. I loved getting to know you all and leading us through one of the most difficult years with the pandemic. We have done well, and I love seeing so many of you returning to Church in person. I look forward to many more years with you here at St. Simon Parish as your pastor. We will do great ministry in the years ahead. Please say a prayer for me and I will say one for all of you.
God bless,
Fr. Brendan
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