From the Pastor's Desk
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Dear Parishioners,
God invites us—and our children—to share in His life and love. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a wedding banquet. Some guests ignore the invitation, choosing their farms and businesses instead. Their response challenges us to ask: Are we allowing the demands of daily life to crowd out our relationship with God? As parents, grandparents, godparents, and a parish community, we must help our children recognize God’s invitation and learn how to respond. We rightly give attention to their education, activities, and future careers. Let us give their spiritual formation that same care and commitment. Our goal is not simply to have children complete religious education classes or receive their sacraments. We want to help them know Jesus, love Him, and build a lasting relationship with Him. Let us remind them often: “God loves you. He calls you by name. You have a place in His family.” That invitation must become visible in our daily lives: • Make Sunday Mass a family priority, not merely an option when the schedule allows. • Pray together at home, even briefly, and encourage children to speak to God in their own words. • Support their religious education through regular attendance and conversations about what they are learning. • Show them faith in action through forgiveness, kindness, service, and care for those in need. • Welcome their questions and guide them patiently, especially when faith becomes difficult. The guest without a wedding garment reminds us that accepting the invitation involves more than showing up; it calls for a life changed by our response to God. Let us help our children understand that faith belongs not only in church, but also in their choices, friendships, and responsibilities. You do not have to do this alone. Let us work together as a parish to nurture our children’s faith. May our words remind them of God’s invitation, and may our example teach them the joy of saying yes. |
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] |