GOD’S CHOICE
We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
-Romans 8:28
Throughout the pages of the Acts of the Apostles we hear about how God sets apart those that He desires for His work. He tends not to call the equipped, but to equip those that He calls to prepare them for their particular mission. From Paul and Peter, to Barnabas and Silas, from Lydia, Priscilla and Aquilla to the seven men of good repute in today’s first reading chosen by the Apostles to serve at table: the common denominator is quite simply that God chooses those whom He wants.
Today’s readings center around the theme of the high calling we have each received in Christ tracing back to our baptism. The above verse, especially in the midst of the uncertainties of life, provides a much needed certainty. In the words of St. John Henry Newman, “God knows what He is about,” thus we need not doubt that His grace will be sufficient for us and that it will work all things to our true good.
As Mary’s Month of May gets underway, let us intentionally honor Mary as our Mother and Queen. This Sunday, we celebrate a May crowning at each of our campuses as a symbolic gesture that helps us to recognize the way that Mary herself was called to an utterly unique role in Salvation History. As we look upon her, she turns her eyes of mercy towards us and reassures us of God’s love and choice for us.
Our Polish brothers and sisters honor Our Lady in a particular way on May 3rd under the title of Queen of Poland which is also Polish Constitution Day. They celebrate this weekend. This hearkens back to King Jan Casimir who on May 3, 1556, declared “I, Jan Casimir, King of Poland, take thee as Queen and Patroness of my Kingdom. I place my people and my army under your protection.” We celebrate with them and give thanks for their witness of lively Marian devotion. We are still basking in the afterglow of a wonderful visit of Archbishop Hebda to our Holy Cross Polish Mass a few weeks ago when he also confirmed six young women from our parish. Yet another example of the choice and election of our God, along with the eight other young people from our parish who received Easter Sacraments this past weekend.
Our parish is blessed by such dedicated clergy and lay staff. Two members of our team will be moving on from their roles of service to our parish: Megan Whipple, who has been coordinating our Pre-Cana Program and supporting opportunities for women’s enrichment. She has decided to step back from employment here to pursue other opportunities. Additionally, Deacon Eric Evander, will be winding down his service with us. He and his wife have discerned a physical move out of the Twin Cities area to allow them to relocate closer to family. You will see Deacon Evander’s farewell in a coming bulletin. We are truly grateful for both of them and their generous service.
Lasty, many priests have spring and early summer anniversaries ordinations. I celebrate my tenth anniversary this May, while Fr. Cyprian and Fr. Justus both celebrate 22 years as priests. I want to invite everyone to St. Hedwig on Tuesday evening, June 6th for a Holy Hour of Thanksgiving for our parish clergy. From 6:30-7:30 pm we will pray before the Blessed Sacrament in thanksgiving for our priests and deacons. A social will follow in Guminga Hall. It would be a tremendous grace to see a full church! No gifts, please, but donations to our parish in honor of our clergy can be offered. This will be a fitting opportunity to send Deacon Evander off as well!
Grace and peace,
~Fr. Howe