Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     Boldness and clarity are the words we hear from St. Peter as we read from the Acts of the Apostles during these days of Eastertide. He who once cowarded for fear of his life, now empowered by the Holy Spirit, fearlessly proclaimed the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. Peter does not know the consequences of his preaching but the fruit of it is two-fold: an enormous number of people, both Jew and Gentile, accept Christ into their lives: and the authorities are plotting to take him out just as they did to our Lord. Surely living the Christian life has these consequences, both good and ill.

     Sometimes we become like “old” Peter. We may be timid or even afraid to profess, defend, and pass on our Faith for fear of offending or discomforting someone, or God forbid< even worse. But we must remember that the same Holy Spirit which emboldened the Apostles has been given to us. It’s just a matter of unleashing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us, in trust, and allowing Him to take us where he wills. 

    Many have remarked about the noble portraits of our Holy Father Pope Leo now hanging in our Churches, school, and office. It took a while to get them, but we had them framed (all seven) by Picture Perfect in Hawley and a great job was done by the framer Bill. When I asked him for the bill, he said he was happy to do the work for free. No cost for frames or labor. If ever you need framing work done, please consider going to this kind and generous man and express your gratefulness to him. There certainly are good people out there.

 With Blessings,

Father Langan