This Old Church

11-27-2022Pastor's LetterFr. John Bonavitacola

Dear Friends,

Thanksgiving comes upon us quickly and hopefully we are filled with reasons to be thankful. In 2023 our Parish will be 45 years old and our Church, 35yrs young! Amazingly there are still a few of the “founders” who gave their time, talent and treasure so that we could have a place to give thanks in.

In light of that:

For the blessings of the past
For the foundation laid by others
For those who cared to pass on the faith to future generations

For our first Church in the “new” Sun City West
For the first Mass in Madonna Hall
For all the Masses now offered in the Church proper

For those who bought this land for us to worship
For those who gave their talent to build
For those who gave their treasure to construct this House of worship

For the wear and tear which makes renovation needed
For those whose graciously give to upkeep our parish church
For all who hold sacred this holy place and find God present here

For those who fall on their knees in this place
For tears of grief shed as we give our dead back to God in solemnity
For tears of joy shed as eternal life shines on our children at the holy font

For those who find the holy balm of healing in these pews
For those who admit their powerlessness on their knees in this house
For those who give hope to others by their presence here

For those who find refuge from sin and temptation in this place
For those who are moved to reconciliation in this place
For those who lead others to faith in this place

For the sound of music that ascends from this place
For the laughter of children that echo in this womb
For the hope that is reborn daily at this banquet table

For the Word preached in this temple
For the Bread that is broken in this sanctuary
For the Blood that is shed at this altar

For the past which has led us to this place
For the present moment of remembrance
For the future which will be greater in this place

 

There are more than 45 reasons to be grateful this year for sure. Please take time to compose your own “Gratitude List” and share it will those you will spend Thanksgiving with this year.

May God’s blessings be on you and yours and we give thanks for a year of grace.

Love
, Fr. John B.

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