Season Of Creation
Throughout the month of September, we are observing the Season of Creation as mandated by Pope Francis.
Our response to this mandate here at Holy Family is to offer certain items that represent the importance of caring for creation. We are connecting these items with the Eucharist by both describing why they are important and how we can increase our care for our common home – the earth.
Each weekend at all Masses a designated parishioner will bring to the altar an item as a part of the Offertory procession. Michael Patti, our Director of Digital Marketing, provides recorded messages with supporting images on our screens to give background as to the significance of each item. This expands the importance of the Offertory. We not only bring forward bread and wine, but we offer to God our commitment here at Holy Family to care for the creation that God has entrusted us with. Just as we are entrusted with bread and wine to become something MORE by the power of the Holy Spirit, what God has entrusted to us in creation can become more of what God has intended them to be.
The first week we offered the gift of water, the source of our existence. Respecting water is our call for all humanity. We do this by keeping our rivers, lakes, and oceans clean to provide us with water to drink, cook with, and bathe in. People all over the world depend on clean water for food crops and health, and yet some communities do not have access to this precious gift. Lives depend on clean water.
The second week we offered a tree as the gift of life. Jesus speaks often of this gift, as trees provide us with clean air for breathing, and shade for comfort in our homes, parks, and gardens. Trees enrich the quality of life for people worldwide. Preserving, protecting, and planting trees gives everyone a chance to enjoy the many benefits of their shade, providing homes as safety for animals and birds.
Last weekend we offered the gifts of a reusable water bottle and a recycling container. These represent all containers that can be reused and recycled. Reducing plastic waste protects animals, humans, and all that live in the oceans, lakes, and rivers. Holy Family encourages recycling by placing recycling bins throughout our campus. Raising our awareness of the importance of minimizing garbage and reusing material keeps our air clean and our landfills manageable.
This week we offer gifts of a native plant and honey pot representing the importance of bees, A healthy ecosystem contains food for bees and birds to thrive. Without ample food for bees, our food supplies dwindle from lack of pollination. We must protect our bee population and provide plants that can increase the ability of bees to pollinate.
Please look for another item during the offertory next weekend and be attentive to the questions that are asked after these gifts are presented.
Let’s All Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Holy Family!
It may be hard for some of you to believe, and some of you may not know, and still others of you were present when Holy Family celebrated our first Mass as Advent began in 1984. That Mass was in the cafeteria of Fremd High School because our beautiful campus and church had yet to be built. Several years later, because of our growth and your generosity, we were able to build not only this beautiful facility but, more importantly, a unique, vibrant Catholic Community and Academy.
We want to acknowledge where we have come in forty years on the weekend of November 23 & 24. In the 40 days leading up to that weekend, we will share 40 fun facts about our community. The 5:00 pm Mass on the 23rd will include video presentations, a particularly festive Mass followed by hors d’oeuvres and entertainment in the Narthex. We will also offer special hospitality following each Mass on the 24th. Fr. Med Laz, our founding pastor, will join us along with other special guests.
Please mark your calendar and join us that weekend and spread the word to any former parishioners to come celebrate where we have come and what we have accomplished as a Holy Family Catholic Community!