My Dear Parish Family,
I am sorry for any confusion regarding the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I really should have put an explanation of what is happening this year. Under this title, Our Lady is the principal patroness of our Diocese. However, this year, because the feast falls on a Saturday, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation. The Assumption refers to the Blessed Virgin Mary being assumed — body and soul — into heaven at the end of her earthly life. “Assumption” is different than “ascension” because one is passive (i.e. one is assumed) and the other is active (i.e. one ascends). It is by the power of God that Mary is assumed. Many early Church fathers have written of Mary’s Assumption and Christians have believed for more than a millennium that Mary indeed was assumed into heaven. In 1950, Pope Pius XII issued Munificentissimus Deus, which officially defined the dogma of the Assumption. Next year, the Feast falls on Sunday, so we won’t have the same issue.
There are many changes occurring in our society in regards to our political makeup. I am very concerned about those attitudes and policies that are taking us away from the core founding principles of our great country. I am not a political guy. My area is about the spiritual. And I truly believe that we are in great need of spiritual/divine intervention. I encourage you to start praying your rosary each day for our country and all that we hold dear in our life.
Recently, someone came to me and asked what the procedure is if someone is gluten intolerant or has celiac disease, yet still desires to receive Holy Communion. We have very low gluten hosts for these folks. If you are in need please come to the sacristy and talk to the priest or deacon before Mass so that the proper hosts will be consecrated.
Finally, I invite you to the Donovan Catholic Gepp Gym for an evening concert of Big Band Music this Tuesday, the 18th at 7:30. Both Harold Frazee (Church keyboardist) and I will be playing with the Toms River Municipal Band Big Band. Free admission with the opportunity to give a free will offering! God bless you all and Oremus pro invicem.
Fr. Scott Shaffer