From the Desk of Deacon Dave, O.F.S.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

May the Lord give you His peace!

You may be saying to yourself, “But, wait, my missalette says it’s the Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time!” That is absolutely true!However, in the Diocese of Jefferson City, we are observing a different celebration at the Masses this weekend, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Why? 

In a May 6, 2024 letter from Father Dan Merz, the chairperson of our Diocesan Liturgical Commission, he states: “ Bishop McKnight has once again for this year transferred the celebration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (normally celebrated on Saturday June 8) to Sunday June 9, replacing the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Because the Blessed Mother is the principal patroness for our diocese under this title, we celebrate the Immaculate Heart of Mary as a Feast. All weekend Masses (Saturday evening June 8 and Sunday June 9) should use the Euchology (editor’s note: the Scripture readings, proper prayers and hymns) for the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
 
The celebration of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary always immediately follows the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart which this year was celebrated on Friday, June 7. What a beautiful reminder to us that we are so completely loved by Jesus our Savior and Mary our Mother! Additionally, the statue in our church which honors the Holy Mother of Jesus shows forth an image of her Immaculate Heart.
 
In imitation of our Most Blessed Mother we should strive always to “rejoice heartily in the Lord” and, like Mary, “keep all these things” [we learn about the Lord] “in our hearts” at all times! With the Church we pray: “O God, who prepared a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, graciously grant that through her intercession we may be a worthy temple of your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
With a brother’s love in the Lord and Mary Immaculate,

Deacon Dave, O.F.S.
T    In Persona Christi Servi