Pastor’s Corner — May 3rd, 2025
Prayer and Small Groups: Last Sunday’s Homily Follow Up
I absolutely love the image of Jesus as our Good Shepherd.
Someone sent me this picture recently from my early priest days
Last weekend I preached on three strategies the enemy uses to get us to doubt that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. In most of the homilies last weekend (except the one posted online) I referenced the 2024 Parish Mission talks on How to Hear God’s Voice as a resource that helps us hear our Shepherd’s voice. If you haven’t heard these talks from the parish, I strongly encourage you to do so. They will equip you to know how to hear God’s voice in prayer. In this link you’ll find not only the video links to the talks, but you’ll also find a summary of the series and some great book recommendations on prayer. Learning about prayer is critical for our spiritual health. In fact, I believe prayer is the life-blood of the Christian life.
Also, in our parish survey I was thrilled that so many people were in a small group of one kind or another. If you’re new to the parish or having trouble starting a small group, please go here for more information and to reach out if you need additional help.
First Communion: This Weekend and Next
Starting this weekend, we are celebrating First Communion for ninety-seven children over the next two Sundays. Since we are now doing two separate First Communion Masses on Sundays at 2pm (Sunday May 3rd and May 10th), it’s good for family who are attending these Masses to know these Masses fulfill your Sunday obligation. Like what I said last week, may all of us (along with the parents of these children) be reminded of God’s incredible love for us in the sacraments and make sure we are receiving them with hearts wide open. In particular, in Holy Communion, God’s heart is wide open to us, eager to bestow richly his grace on us!
Mark Your Calendars for our School Play, Aladdin, Jr (May 15th and 16th)
Each spring I’m impressed with the students of St Pat’s school for their play performance. This year, our school is doing Aladdin Jr and will be doing it offsite at Whitmore Lake High School with two show times: Friday May 15th at 7pm and Saturday May 16th at 7pm.
Tickets are $15 and you can purchase them here.
New in Theatres: The Story of Everything Film
As I’ve spoken of many times before, there is zero contradiction between science and faith. I even taught a series on faith and science a couple of years ago and have recommended books and videos over the years.
Yesterday, I was listening to a podcast with Dr. Stephen C Meyer about science and faith. I have never listened to him before even though I’ve heard of him and his books. Author of many books, he’s brilliant and articulate. He spoke of this new film that he was a part of that comes out April 30th. Good news: it’s showing in MJR theatres here in Brighton!
The film is The Story of Everything: The Science that Reveals a Mind Behind the Universe. From the website:
“The Story of Everything is a cinematic exploration of the cosmos that reveals the hidden hand behind our universe. From the precise laws that govern the stars to the intricate patterns found in every living cell, the film traces evidence of intentional design throughout nature. Whether examining distant star-forming clouds or the spiral structure of DNA, we discover a consistent signature woven into the fabric of existence.”
Perhaps you can bring a skeptic friend or family member so they can see just how reasonable it is to believe in God, according to the evidence of science itself. It’s truly amazing what science can show in terms of pointing to God. Since skeptics often have existential and moral reasons why they might not believe in God, a clear and compelling presentation of evidence served up with sound reasonable arguments might not be enough to convince them. But it’s always a boon for Catholics to recognize just how strong the arguments for God are according to science itself.
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Mathias