Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

From today to the end of November, we celebrate a  nearly unbroken string of Sundays in Ordinary Time.  However, let this not convey a misunderstanding that  

nothing “special” happens until Advent. Ordinary Time  is merely the counting of Sundays outside the climatic  seasons of Christmas and Easter and their preparatory seasons of Advent and Lent. It is the time to delve  into the earthly life of our Lord between His birth  and death and to more appreciate our response as  His disciples.

In the Gospel today He declares that: “the Kingdom  of Heaven is at hand.” With that declaration He  chooses the Twelve and begins to send them out to  make it known. We indeed believe that the Kingdom  is at hand and it is up to us to continue the work the  Chosen ones were commissioned to do. We must  never forget or diminish the fact that we are the  Chosen here and now. And by the power of God’s  grace the Kingdom of Heaven will advance depending  on the good work we do. 

Many unsung Chosen advance the Kingdom in ways  we may not see but their efforts and service are fundamental to the building up of the Kingdom. Think of  all the particular ministries in this parish. We depend upon so many who selflessly employ their God-given talents to serve and build up the Faith. For all of them, we are endlessly grateful.

I am especially grateful to all who prayed so earnestly for my speedy recovery; I only wish I had the time to thank all of you personally for your prayers, good  wishes, beautiful cards and tasty gifts. I am most appreciative.  

Also, this is the time of year when many young  people are making important transitions in life, i.e.  graduation. We as a parish extend our best wishes to them and hope they play a vital part in extending the  Kingdom of the Lord. 

And finally, we entrust to the Lord all of our fathers  those living and those called home to God. May the  Lord give those among us the grace to image our  Heavenly Father’s love and mercy, understanding and  compassion. May they have the wisdom and strength  necessary to provide and guide those entrusted to  their care. 

With Blessings, 

Father Langan