Life is Very Good

On Saturday, January 22, we commemorate the 1973 landmark Supreme Court ruling Roe vs. Wade that tragically legalized abortion on the Federal level. What has happened since then has been a long, drawn-out culture war. The pro- life movement has been vilified by the media; but at the same time, many people have come to recognize the dignity of human life beginning with conception because of the work of the pro-life movement. While the media portrays pro-life advocates as anti-choice and as a group stuck in the dark ages, I have always been struck by the fact that the pro-life movement has sought to not only pass legislation and fight for life in the courts at all levels of government, but also how the pro-life movement has manifested the Church’s teaching on subsidiarity. Subsidiarity states that an issue is best addressed at the most local level possible. We can see this within our own parish boundaries with the Elizabeth New Life Center, which offers many forms of assistance to expectant mothers, and Right to Life of Shelby County. In these ways, we see that, contrary to the way the pro-life movement is portrayed as being uncaring for individuals and the difficult situations individuals find themselves in, the pro-life movement loves and cares for the individual in a very tangible way. Thank you to all who take any part in fighting for life and showing that life is good and beautiful!

Life has also been good and beautiful at Holy Angels. We brought 23 people into the fullness of the Catholic Faith over the past year. This is a testament to the reality that Christ stills calls many to follow Him. There are also currently eight students at Holy Angels School who have inquired about becoming Catholic. While they are at different points in their journey, I have been edified and encouraged that these young people have found the Catholic Faith taught to them at Holy Angels School, the Mass they experience weekly, and the call to become a Saint both attractive and good. Please pray for them. Over a month period (December 12-January 2), we had an average Mass attendance of 965 on a weekend. This is especially great when one considers one of those weekends was the Sunday after Christmas, and that in October 2019 (before Covid), Sunday Mass attendance was 980. This is rather astounding when compared to many parishes around the Archdiocese that have lost 30%-50% of their Sunday Mass attendance over the same period. It testifies to the importance of showing others and reminding ourselves that the Eucharist is worth more than everything. Thank you for strengthening my faith and love for the Lord through your example. I have also heard very many people say and write to me with gratitude for the good that God is doing here at Holy Angels. “Let us give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!” (Ps 107:1) “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

This weekend there will be a message from Archbishop Schnurr explaining how our support of the Catholic Ministries Appeal allows us to stand with the ministries that teach, feed, and heal throughout the Archdiocese. Thanks to the generosity of many families here at Holy Angels, a total of $40,329.50 was contributed to the 2021 CMA from our parish community. This year, our goal is $45,469.00. Families will be receiving a CMA mailing from Archbishop Schnurr in the coming week or so. Please prayerfully complete your pledge card and return it in the envelope provided, or bring your completed pledge card and envelope to Mass. For more information or to donate online, please visit CatholicAOC.org/ CMA. Thank you!

I will be on retreat this coming week. Please pray for me and know that I will be praying for each of you, the flock entrusted to my care. I hope this retreat will show me how to be a better spiritual father and remind me of the Lord’s great goodness. Please also note any change to the schedule found in the bulletin.

Thank you again to all who assist at Mass. Whether it is Deacon Phil, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, musicians, ushers, servers, parents of servers who get them here sometimes early in the morning, and for anyone who helps to clean and beautify the church. May your example shine through and be rewarded by our generous God.

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Jarred Kohn