Pastor's Message for October 1st
Thanksgiving
October is a special month for thanksgiving.
What am I thankful for? I am thankful for many things including my faith, my family and my health. But this month there are two things that I am especially grateful to God for; my 25 years as a Priest and my community here at St. Leonard.
Thankful for My 25 Years a Priest
First, I am thankful that God has called me. I did not call myself. God has chosen me as His instrument and for that I am eternally grateful. Second, I am thankful to God for many people who supported my journey. My parents who nurtured me into the direction of the Priesthood through their material and moral support, prayers and love. My siblings who were there for me, even when I left the seminary on several occasions, and yet they never rebuked me, were angry, rejected me, abandoned me or withdrew their support from me. I am so grateful for my family, my friends and all the people that loved me. Third, I am thankful to God for giving me a spirit of love of the Priesthood all these years. I have never regretted becoming a priest. I love being a Priest and I love to serve the people.
Thankful for the Community of St. Leonard
I have had the honour and privilege of serving in a number of wonderful communities. But today I am particularly grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to serve here in St. Leonard Parish Community. It is a beautiful community filled with great love. I thank God for the opportunity to be in this Parish. This Parish has given me a lot. We have wonderful people who have supported me in my priesthood, and the work I do in the parish. The volunteers here are amazing! I am grateful to God to be here with you especially in this year we celebrate our 50th anniversary as a Parish community. So many blessings over the years!
Thanksgiving, always and everywhere: our duty and salvation
To be Catholic is to be grateful. There is a point in the Preface of every Mass where I say,
“It is right and just, our duty and salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Holy Father, almighty and eternal God.” To give God thanks always and everywhere is our duty and our salvation. We are saved through thanksgiving this month and every month! I invite you to find a reason to be thankful to God in your life always.
God bless you and those you love,
Father Titus