With our largest gathering to date, we have celebrated yet another Family Blessing Mass and Gratitude Luncheon. Families from near and far joined us in the Motherhouse Chapel, lifting their hearts in prayer and receiving God’s abundant blessings. After Mass, the joy continued as we gathered around the table for fellowship, laughter, and shared stories.
For those who were not able to join us for the Mass, we have included a copy of Mother Mary David’s welcome address below.
In addition to a wonderful meal, and amazing company, the Academy of the Holy Family and the Sisters provided entertainment! From singing to playing musical instruments, they shared their gifts with all of those gathered. Sister Joan Clare, our Choir director, even had all of our guests singing, too! The song for this Jubilee Year of Hope is called, Flame of Hope, and as it was sung, the guests were all able to join in on the refrain:
“Like a flame my hope is burning, may my song arise to you:
Source of life that has no ending, on life’s path I trust in you.”
The day was a beautiful reminder that in Christ, we are one family united in faith. Your presence and prayers made the day one to remember.
Mother Mary David’s Welcome Address
Good morning, and warm welcome to you, our beloved benefactors here in this chapel and those joining us from your homes via live-streaming. We are so pleased to have you enter into this Holy Mass of Blessing with us, which we offer for you and your loved ones as our gift in gratitude for the countless ways in which you support the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church.
For some of you, your kindness comes to us through your tender prayers for us: Mass, rosaries, novenas, adoration, and quiet thoughts of blessing, to name a few. We draw from your prayer for us. Thank you.
For others, your blessing comes through the financial support you send us—donations that we use to keep our Motherhouse safe and in good repair, and for our varied ministries to our elder Sisters, our children and the young women in our schools, the homeless for whom we care, and the strangers we meet in the course of our days who eventually reveal their hidden poverty to us.
Still others among you deliver food to our pantry, bring summer vegetables and winter jackets; these are but a few of the many ways you find to support us. Thank you.
Above all, you touch us most deeply by writing or calling us to ask for our prayers for the burdens you carry within—you know what they are—and we thank you for sharing them with us. We burn candles and offer Mass regularly for you. We ALWAYS have time to pray for you. You can be sure of that.
And so today we gather together to express our heartfelt thanks. The time we will spend with you today is just a small way of thanking you for being part f our family. May we all find peace in this liturgy celebrated by Father Bob Washabaugh. Please feel free to join our choir in worship. The music will be familiar to most of you.
God bless you, and thank you again. Welcome!
and then