August 7-8

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we follow the path of our Sunday Gospel readings we see that we are being drawn ever more deeply into the Lord’s revelation of Himself as the Bread of Life.  Our meditation on this reality leads us to more intense and grateful prayer.  This week’s reflection comes from “Ecclesia de Eucharistia, an encyclical letter on the Eucharist and its relation to the Church, given by Saint John Paul II on April 17,2003.

The worship of the Eucharist outside of the Mass is of inestimable value for the life of the Church.  This worship is strictly linked to the celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice.  The presence of Christ under the Sacred  Species reserved after Mass–a Presence that lasts as long as the Species of bread and wine remain–derives from the celebration of the Sacrifice and is directed towards communion, both sacramental and spiritual.

 It is pleasant to spend time with Him, to lie close to His breast like the Beloved Disciple (cf. Jn 13:25) and to feel the infinite love present in His heart.  If in our time Christians must be distinguished above all by the “art of prayer”, how can we not feel a renewed need to spend time in spiritual converse, in silent adoration, in heartfelt love before Christ present in the Most Holy Sacrament?  How often, dear brothers and sisters, have I experienced this, and drawn from it strength, consolation, and support!

This practice, repeatedly praised and recommended by the Magisterium, is supported by the example of many saints.  Particularly outstanding in this regard was St. Alphonsus Liguori, who wrote: “Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the Sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most helpful to us.”  The Eucharist is a priceless treasure: by not only celebrating it but also by praying before It outside of Mass we are enabled to make contact with the very Wellspring of grace.

We are very pleased to welcome into our parish family Fr. Dominic Sabi who has been assigned by Bishop Bambera as the new assistant pastor.  The parishioners of Honesdale, Rileyville and Beach Lake and northern Wayne County extend their famous hospitality and loving support as Fr. Dominic begins his service and care for them.  Fr. Sahd will be with us until the end of August helping Fr. Dominic to “learn the ropes”, of which there are many in our parish.  Keep them in your prayers.

On Sunday, August 22, 2021, Bishop Bambera will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of St. Joseph Church in Rileyville.  The Mass is at 9 AM.  Parishioners from all our various churches are most welcome to come and attend the Mass and join in the reception following in St’ Joseph’s hall.  If you intend to come to the reception please call and make a reservation by August 10th.  Call Kathy Stile at 570-224-4934.

With Blessings

Fr. Langan