Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This weekend marks the start of our new music director’s tenure, so we welcome David Garrido Cid on board! For these first weeks, David will play the organ for a limited number of Masses before he takes over fully on September 28 with the return of the Gallery Choir. The Treble Clef and Bass Clef Choirs will resume shortly afterwards. In addition, Martin Smith will continue to serve as our assistant organist, and we hope to resume our organ scholar program in the future. Meanwhile, David will want to get to know us and is eager to take up the reins of our superb music ministry. Please introduce yourself to him and let him know how welcome he is at St. Patrick-St. Anthony. (Read more about David (Dah-VEED) Garrido Cid in Fr. Tim’s letter from August 24!)
Much has been said and written in the media in the wake of the tragic shooting rampage at a Catholic church in Minneapolis on August 27th. Once again, in the sad aftermath of these incidents, the perennial debate between those who support gun rights no matter what, and those who push for sensible gun legislation, rages on as “thoughts and prayers” are tossed about like an antidote to all our ills.
It is clear that the majority of U.S. citizens want stricter gun laws, even to banning assault weapons. Yet here we are, once again wringing our hands, hoping for some kind of miraculous intervention. However, the problem doesn’t lie only in stricter gun laws, it has to do with the whole of our nation’s psychological torment. You may recall Gerald Ford’s comment after he was sworn in as president following the resignation of Richard Nixon, when he said that “our long national nightmare is over.” In my opinion, what we are experiencing today is many times worse than a half-century ago.
It’s my belief that, while many of us may share these feelings of dismay, anger, frustration and helplessness, we should do whatever we can to turn negativity towards action. I think of the apostles in the upper room after the horrific crucifixion and death of their beloved friend and teacher, Jesus. Just as they were at their worst he came and stood in their midst, offering them strength and the ability to become messengers of hope to others.
Last Sunday, Pope Leo XIV said, “Let us plead God to stop the pandemic of arms, large and small, which infects our world.” Perhaps God might need our help getting the message across.
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor