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Hope and promise

  Spring into summer each year brings new hope and promise. Although inundated with rain this year, blue skies and sunshine always prevails. From the barrenness of fall, with its darkness and cold to a spring and early summer offering gentle rains (at times), we see new growth and promise of green grass and fields.

  Jesus’ public ministry, re-affirming the disciples, his followers from Galilee and reminder for each of us along the way of his need to suffer, die on the cross and rise again brings us renewed hope and promise each year. His ascension into heaven, to sit at the right hand of the Father, is only preceded by his promise of God to leave for us an Advocate. At Pentecost, we celebrate the Advocate, the gift and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

  Bishop Robert Barron tells us, “The Spirit is the fuel of the Church, the energy and life force of the Body of Christ.” For the disciples then and for us today, it’s meant to add to the tools in our toolbox, as we prepare to embark on the trials of evangelization. To provide comfort, reassurance in our mission and at the same time provide fuel, motivation, courage and wisdom in our journeys.

  Our call is to bring hope and promise to others, both to our families and neighbors and throughout the world.

  Fueled by the love of God and motivated by the Holy Spirit, we offer others Christ’s Good News. Through the way we live our lives and following our call in life, destined to us by the Father; we bring hope to the hopeless, food for the hungry, clothes for the naked and do our best to bring peace and comfort to those who are experiencing trouble, brokenness and conflict. We offer the promises of Christ, only he can fulfill.

  As my position in Frankenmuth ends as Pastoral Administrator and Permanent Deacon, I see further hope and promise for our Frankenmuth community. Fr. Patrick Jankowiak has been named as Permanent Priest at Blessed Trinity Parish, effective July 1st. I know the Jankowiak family well, raising our family in Midland at the same time and working together with my mentor and Patrick’s father, Deacon Michael Jankowiak at Blessed Sacrament Parish for many years

  In July, the Diocese of Saginaw will celebrate the installation of our new Bishop, Bishop Robert Gruss. Since the unfortunate death of Bishop Joseph Cistone, we have been praying for a new, permanent leader for our Diocese and Bishop Gruss was named successor earlier this month.

  For both our Parish and Diocese, the thought of permanence once again will allow many to move forward, promote further healing and reinforce once again, examples of the hope and promise Jesus offers each of us.

  I am very grateful for the love and warmth bestowed upon me by the parishioners at Blessed Trinity Parish and friends throughout the community. This will always be a special place in my heart.