Who are we?

At times, I find myself wondering who the heck I am, frustrated with myself and all my broken insufficiencies. This is a reality I often encounter in the Confessional, as well. When I find myself in this state, I often peruse the writing of St. Josemaria Escriva, and quickly find a reminder that I am a child of God, written in a beautiful way.

Here are words from St. Josemaria that I would like to share with you: “A child of God treats the Lord as his Father. He is not obsequious (meaning obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree) and servile, he is not merely formal and well-mannered: he is completely sincere and trusting. Men do not scandalize God. He can put up with all our infidelities. Our Father in heaven pardons any offense when His child returns to Him, when he repents and asks for pardon. The Lord is such a good Father that He anticipates our desire to be pardoned and comes forward to us, opening His arms laden with grace.” We are children of God and, as such, we can throw ourselves into our Father’s arms and trust that He has us in hand.

This is the promise of salvation in Jesus Christ, that “creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.” We are given true freedom when we live in the freedom of Christ given to us by the forgiveness of sins. This forgiveness is given most especially in the Sacrament of Confession. So please, go to Confession and seek the face of Jesus. As Pope Francis has stated on several occasions, “Jesus is the face of the Father’s Mercy.” So, seek His face in Confession where the inexhaustible treasury of God’s Mercy is offered to us.

We will have several opportunities for you to receive the Father’s Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation coming up. First, there will be a Day of Grace on November 22 at Holy Angels (Confessions, 6:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.). Then, there will be a Day of Grace at Sacred Heart, McCartyville on December 1 (Confessions, 6:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.). Another Day of Grace will be held at St. Michael, Fort Loramie on December 21 (Confessions, 6:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.). Finally, we will have a Morning of Mercy on Christmas Eve, December 24, at Ss. Peter & Paul, Newport from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Plus, we will have our usual Confession schedule, which can be found weekly in the bulletin and on the parish website.

Speaking of “plus,” we will be having two “Mass Plus” events during Advent. What is “Mass Plus”? It will be an opportunity for you to ask the four priests of our Family of Parishes about the Catholic Faith (faith, Mass, the sacraments, morals, and the saints) or even about us personally. Thank you to those who have signed up to bring chili, since we will be doing these two events right after Mass at lunchtime. The first Mass Plus event will be at Holy Angels on Sunday, November 27 following the 11:00 a.m. Mass. The second event will be at St. Michael on Sunday, December 11 following the 11:00 a.m. Mass. So come out and get to know your priests better and learn about the beauty and truth of the Catholic Faith!

Finally, I have observed that I am getting more comfortable in each parish. That is due to the love and attention you all have given to me and something for which I am very grateful. It has been beautiful to build unique friendships with so many of you. Again, please remind me of your name when I see you!

Thank you to those who volunteer in many different capacities. As I have noticed, there are so many things that so many do that I do not know about directly. But these hidden tasks, unseen by me, and sometimes others, are no less essential to parish life. So, thank you, unseen volunteers! Know that I keep you in prayer often.

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Jarred Kohn