Dear Brothers and Sisters,

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

This weekend we celebrate God showing his power by saving and transforming even the most unlikely among us. We can trust in him to guide us, like sheep trust their shepherd. In our first reading, Paul and Barnabas preach in Antioch despite strong opposition from the Jewish community. True courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to proceed in spite of it. St. Paul was utterly convinced of his call to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, and despite hardship, “was filled with joy.” From the outside, a vocation to priesthood or religious life may seem to involve too many sacrifices. But our true happiness lies in following God’s will for our lives.

As many of you know, I love the show The Chosen.  One reason for that is the idea that we are all “chosen.”  We exist, because we are chosen.  We exist, because God wanted us.  We have a vocation, because God has a special plan for each of us to love God and neighbor in our lives.  In The Chosen, we see how Jesus chooses a diverse group of people to follow him.  They are all imperfect, but have a great capacity to love.  As we pray for vocations, may we honor and revere God’s providence as he chooses us to follow him.  May God continue to call our young people to holy marriages, religious life, and the priesthood.

I encourage you to pray for our seminarians preparing for ordination.  Christopher Epplett and Jacob Zemaitis will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, May 21, at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. On Saturday, June 4, Deacons Logan Weber, David Sacha, and David Jameson will be ordained priests for the Diocese of Grand Rapids.  Praise Jesus!

‘Cause Mom you always were, the perfect fan…

God has been so good, Blessing me with a family, Who did all they could.

And I’ve had many years of grace

And it flatters me when I see a smile on your face

I want to thank you for what you’ve done, in hopes I can give back to you, Be the perfect son.

You showed me, When I was young just how to grow.

You showed me, Everything that I should know.

You showed me, Just how to walk without your hands

Cause mom you always were The perfect fan.’

It may surprise some of you to know that these words come from a Backstreet Boys song from the 90s titled, The Perfect Fan. I have always loved it.  It is a wonderful and heartfelt litany of love to one’s mother.  To all the moms in the parish, thank you for the love and tender care you show your children and families.  May we also remember that our Blessed Mother Mary, is our perfect fan as well, teaching us, guiding us, and showing us the way to Jesus.  Happy Mother’s Day!