From the Pastor's Desk
|
July 20th, 2025
Here are 10 points explaining the Catholic teaching on the importance of Mass intentions, especially for loved ones who have passed away, for special needs and intentions, and why monetary offerings are made: 1. The Mass is the highest form of prayer and worship The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. To unite our intentions with the sacrifice of Jesus is the most powerful form of prayer we can offer, especially for the souls of the deceased and for special needs. 2. Offering a Mass intention helps the souls in purgatory The Church teaches that souls in purgatory benefit greatly from the prayers of the faithful, especially the Mass. Offering a Mass intention for a deceased loved one is a spiritual work of mercy and helps speed their purification and journey to heaven. Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1032: “From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice.” 3. It unites the living with the dead in Christ Mass intentions for deceased loved ones express our communion with them. Through the Eucharist, we remain spiritually united to those who have died in the Lord, strengthening the bond of the Communion of Saints. 4. It brings God’s grace to special needs Offering Masses for the living—for healing, job opportunities, vocations, conversion, or thanksgiving—invokes God’s grace in specific situations. It shows our trust in God’s providence and mercy. 5. It is an act of love and charity By offering a Mass intention, we express concrete love for others. Whether they are living or deceased, it is a spiritual gift of the highest kind. It says: “I want God to bless you through the offering of Jesus on the altar.” 6. It connects the faithful with the Church’s treasury of grace Mass intentions tap into the spiritual treasury of the Church, uniting our prayer with Christ’s perfect sacrifice and with the prayers of all the faithful, including the saints. 7. It reflects the biblical tradition of offering sacrifice for others Scripture supports offering sacrifices for the dead: “Thus he made atonement for the dead, that they might be freed from sin.” (2 Maccabees 12:46) 8. Monetary offerings are a participation in the sacrificial act The faithful offer a stipend (donation) not as a “payment” for the Mass, but as a symbolic offering. It connects us to the biblical practice of bringing something of our own in union with the sacrifice (cf. Leviticus 2:1-3). Canon Law (Can. 945 §1): “In accordance with the approved custom of the Church, any priest celebrating or concelebrating is permitted to receive a stipend to apply the Mass for a specific intention.” 9. Monetary offerings support the Church and the priest These offerings help sustain the priest and the parish, especially in places where priests depend on stipends as part of their livelihood. It’s also a way for the laity to support the Church’s mission materially and spiritually. 10. Mass intentions promote the Church’s spiritual solidarity When people offer Masses for others—living or deceased—they contribute to the Church’s mission of prayer, intercession, and spiritual solidarity. It’s a beautiful way of participating in the life of the Church and expressing our belief in God’s power working through the Eucharist. July 13th, 2025
10 key points on why daily prayer—especially Mass and Eucharistic Adoration—is important in Catholic teaching (always be mindful of others are praying in the church; being quiet is a sign of reverence for God and respect for others): 1. Prayer Deepens Relationship with God Daily prayer fosters an intimate, personal relationship with God. As in any relationship, communication is vital. The Catechism says, “Whether prayer is expressed in words or gestures, it is the whole man who prays” (CCC 2562). 2. Mass is the Source and Summit of Christian Life The Eucharist is called the “source and summit” of the Christian life (CCC 1324). Attending daily Mass allows Catholics to be spiritually nourished by Christ’s Body and Blood regularly, drawing strength for daily living. 3. Spiritual Nourishment and Strength Like our bodies need daily food, our souls need daily spiritual nourishment. Prayer, especially the Eucharist, gives grace to resist sin, grow in virtue, and face life’s challenges with faith. 4. Obedience to Christ’s Command Jesus said, “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19). Daily Mass honors Christ’s command to celebrate the Eucharist and keeps us rooted in His sacrifice and love. 5. Prayer Sanctifies Time and Work Daily prayer, especially beginning and ending the day with God, sanctifies time. It reminds Catholics that every action can be offered to God and that God is present in every moment. 6. Daily Conversion and Growth in Holiness Catholicism teaches that conversion is ongoing (CCC 1427). Daily prayer and frequent reception of the Eucharist help purify the soul, reorder desires, and increase holiness. 7. Adoration Fosters Love and Reverence for Jesus Eucharistic Adoration is a way to honor and love Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. It allows the soul to rest in Him, deepen love, and grow in awe and reverence (CCC 1378). 8. Prayer Unites Us to the Church and the Communion of Saints Even private prayer connects us with the universal Church. Mass, in particular, unites us to the whole Body of Christ—on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven. 9. Intercession and Reparation Daily prayer, Mass, and Adoration allow us to pray for others and make reparation for sins—our own and the world’s. This fulfills our baptismal role as priestly people (CCC 2634–2635). 10. Strength for Mission The graces received in prayer and Eucharist prepare us for apostolic action. The Mass ends with a sending forth: “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” Daily prayer empowers the faithful to be light and salt in the world. July 6, 2025
Starting daily Mass in August 2025 will be a great spiritual opportunity. Here are 7 short points on why attending daily Mass is important for Catholics:
June 25, 2025
Welcome to St. Gerard Parish! As a community of faith, we strive to create an environment where all can encounter Christ through worship, prayers, and the sacraments. At the heart of our spiritual life is the Eucharist, where we gather to celebrate the mystery of Christ's presence among us. In this sacred meal, we experience profound grace and unity, inviting us to deepen our relationship with the Lord. Living as disciples of Christ, we embrace the call to reflect His love in our daily lives. Jesus commanded us to “love one another as I have loved you,” and this guiding principle shapes our interactions and relationships within our parish and beyond. By embodying Christ’s love, we become instruments of peace, compassion, and service to our neighbors, demonstrating the transformative power of faith in action. Furthermore, our journey involves knowing Christ, loving Christ, and serving Christ. Through scripture, prayer, and communal worship, we grow in our understanding of who Jesus is and how His teachings inform our lives. Our commitment to serving others is a vital expression of our faith, as we strive to meet the needs of those around us, fostering a spirit of charity and inclusivity. At St. Gerard, we invite you to join us in this enriching journey of faith, where encounter, love, and service are at the forefront of our mission. Together, let us foster a vibrant community that radiates Christ’s love in the world. Welcome! |
Fr Young Nguyen
St. Gerard Majella Catholic Ch 3049 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 Office: 706-861-9410 Cell/Emer: 770-289-3466 email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] |
