Pastoral Letter of August 14, 2019
Dear Parishioner,
I am concerned about you and the parish. Rest assured our parish family is vibrant and will become stronger as we face new challenges together. I am aware of the many struggles our parishioners are facing. Some struggles I have recently witnessed are: personal or family health issues, financial, spiritual, increased anger, lack of forgiveness, divisions within families, suffering caused by the Church or someone close to the individual, death of a loved one, and increased feelings of isolation.
We are not thrusted into the battle alone, we are accompanied by Jesus. Since Jesus is the rock foundation which we stand upon (psalm 62), we will be triumphant! As St. Peter reminds us, “cast your worries upon the Lord, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). I have no answers to why the Lord Jesus permits us to suffer. I do know that the message of the Cross is that God is so powerful He will bring goodness out of all suffering if we cooperate with Divine love.
You are not alone. We need to be there for each other. Whether you are active or inactive,
religious or not, healthy or ill, young or old, you are important to God. He sent His Son Jesus to save you. You are not an accident or a mistake. You are wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26 and Psalm 139). Saint Pope John Paul II mentioned that each of us is unrepeatable. Each person reflects God uniquely and is a gift to the world. You are the only one who can do your mission. That means you are placed at this moment of time, not randomly, but purposely by God.
Blessed are those who are surrounded by people who celebrate their uniqueness and help them actualize all their potential. Whether that has been your experience or not, we would like you to be involved in our family here at Fourteen Holy Helpers Parish. Enclosed is a bookmark that will give you a glimpse of our parish and methods to stay connected. Ask yourself what do I truly love to do? The answer will help you discern what you would enjoy doing at the parish. Don’t forget to checkout our website 14hh.org, which contains information, resources, video and ways to connect with us.
Some ideas to help you deal with uncertainties of life:
o Try your best to always stay focused on Christ.
o Keep your words and thoughts positive
o Remember when you cultivate silence, you hear God’s voice
o Spend time in our Adoration Chapel located in the Convent- open Mon.-Thur. 7am to 9pm
o Come to the Sacraments of Reconciliation/confession, Mass, and Anointing of the Sick.
o Spend time giving thanks each day- look for the special ways God is blessing you
o Consider our grief support group at the parish
o Meet with a certified Spiritual Advisor/ Companion
You are a very important gift to us and the parish; we look forward to praying, working and having fun together. We are family, give us a chance. To help us better see our parish through your eyes, please visit our parish website at 14hh.org to find a link to the survey we have created. If you are unable to fill out our survey online, we have enclosed a paper version because your opinion is important to us. Drop the paper survey in our weekly collection basket or mail to: Survey at Fourteen Holy Helpers, 1345 Indian Church Road, West Seneca, NY 14224
May God surround you with Divine love and guidance.
In Christ’s Love,
Fr. David Bellittiere
