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September 11, 2021
Fourth, I thank all the parishioners and friends who generously contributed to Lourdes in these challenging times. Your commitment allowed the parish to again finish the recent fiscal year in the black, which has been the case for the past several years – thank you! A detailed annual report will be mailed to parishioners and friends as part of our annual Stewardship Initiative later this fall. We are in need of your support and commitment again as we continue to face financial challenges, ongoing maintenance costs, and rising costs of goods and services. We are already behind by several thousand dollars in this new fiscal year and hope that you will help us get back on track. In addition to the need for increased financial support and the upcoming Stewardship Initiative, I have begun fundraising for particular parish needs, special projects, and deffered maintenance projects. I am hopeful that this effort will help alleviate some of our financial burdens and build up our financial reserves.
Dear Friends in Christ,
I write to you on this day that commemorates the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country. This is a sobering time for our nation as we recall the horrific violence that changed the world. In the midst of this commemoration, we are also witnessing suffering on a grand scale throughout the world – in Afghanistan, as a result of many natural disasters, from the continued effects of a global pandemic, and the suffering that so many experience as a result of injustice and a lack of basic material goods. We believe in a God who has entered into our world in Christ Jesus and continues to extend his outstretched hand of grace. Having been lifted by Christ, we are called to extend our hands to our brothers and sisters in need.
For the past several years as your pastor, I have written an annual letter to the parish in late summer or early fall that provides a look back at God’s blessings and a glimpse forward to the path that lies ahead. Notwithstanding the challenges we have faced and will continue to face in the coming months, the state of our parish remains strong and our future vibrant.
Before I delve more deeply into some specific areas relevant to our shared life of faith, here is a quick snapshot of blessings we have received: 10 new adults joined the Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil; numerous couples have held joyful wedding celebrations at Lourdes; baptisms, first communions, and confirmations continue provide an occasion of joy for all; young adults continue to gather and be enriched by Vespers at Lourdes; our sacred music and communications remain of stellar quality; outreach to the poor and marginalized continues to be a cornerstone of our parish; a beautiful new pipe organ helps us lift our voices in praise of God; our parish grounds and beautiful church continue to provide a place of warm welcome and inspiration for parishioners, friends, and visitors; and we have navigated the pandemic in way that allows us to worship the living God safely, while reaching a wider audience via livestream. Below, I communicate important aspects needed for the future success of Our Lady of Lourdes.
First, I have communicated consistently regarding the need for vigilance and prudence regarding the ongoing pandemic, the Delta variant, and the guidelines in place for Mass. How we approach our celebration of the Eucharist at this time should both reflect our devotion and gratitude for the central place the Eucharist plays in our Catholic faith, while also manifesting our care and concern for public health and vulnerable populations most affected by COVID. Please see my recent communication and attendant guidelines provided to the parish earlier this month. Please also note the new weekend Mass schedule: Sat. 4:30; Sun. 8:30 and 10:30, which begins today.
Second, the pandemic and social unrest on many fronts has contributed to an atmosphere of tension and trauma that is affecting everyone in our community, nation, and world. The more we can treat each other with patience, dignity, and respect, the more that we can sow seeds of social solidarity and peace. As Christians, we have a special obligation to those suffering on the margins who are disproportionately affected by pandemics, natural disasters, economic challenges, and environmental degradation. To that end, I would like to step up our giving and outreach to our brothers and sisters who are suffering in so many ways and I ask for your help in this regard. Now is the time to step of with charity, justice, and concrete acts of solidarity.
Third, there is such great need for healing at this time – for parishioners, in our community, in our nation, and in our world. I encourage all of us to avail ourselves of the healing balm and mercy of Jesus, through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes. Our Lourdes Healing Ministry Team continues to meet and offer parish leaders further avenues for healing and pastoral care of those in need. On the Feast of All Saints, November 1st, we will celebrate a special healing Mass at 5:30 p.m. Confessions will be available prior to Mass and the sacrament of anointing will also be offered. We will ask all the holy women and men of God to pray for greater healing. I am excited to announce that the Initiative on Restorative Justice and Healing (IRJH) has officially launched at St. Thomas Law School. I serve as founding director of IRJH and Julie Craven as associate director. We will discern ways that Lourdes, IRJH, and other partners can help heal harm that is caused by institutional and leadership failures, injustice, and polarization.
Fifth, Archbishop Hebda has called all Catholic parishes to participate in the Archdiocesan Synod via small groups. You will be hearing about this important opportunity to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance and deepen our fellowship as we together discern God’s will for the future of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. A synodal Church – one that listens to and follows the Holy Spirit – is the path that Pope Francis has called the global Catholic Church to embrace. Locally, Archbishop Hebda has asked all Catholics engage fully in this synod process.
Sixth, in addition to the beautiful new Ralph Strangis Memorial Pipe Organ, several other smaller projects will be completed inside the church and on the parish grounds, including a new icon of St. Cecilia that will be placed above the keyboard of the organ, restoration and cleaning of the stations of the cross, and a new wooden ambry which will house the sacred oils we use for the sacraments offered at Lourdes. The highlight outside is a new statue of Mary, Mother of Mercy that will be sculpted by a sacred artist in New Mexico. We hope to have the bronze statue completed and installed by Mother’s Day. It will be located near the 2nd Street entrance.
Finally, please join us for upcoming events at Lourdes, including the blessing of the animals and LourdesFest, both of which will take place on October 2nd. May God continue to bless all of you and your families and may God’s gracious light shine upon you. May Notre Dame de Lourdes continue to intercede generously for her parish, all of you, and our vibrant future ahead.
Gratefully in Christ,
Rev. Daniel Griffith, Pastor