As we begin a new season of school, choir, Religious Education, and many of our other church activities that bring us together to build community and unity in our parishes, let us remember WORDS can BUILD - or BREAK - BRIDGES.

“The way we communicate is of fundamental importance.” These are the words of Pope Leo who makes this point, that our words can build up or tear down, open hearts or shut them tight. In a noisy world, choosing how we speak is one of the most important choices we can make. Manners matter. Real communication does not bulldoze others. It does not chase agreement at all costs. It doesn’t feed off competition. A healthy conversation makes space for different viewpoints while still seeking the truth. Winning an argument might feel good, but it rarely changes hearts. And changing hearts is the point.

Speak the truth - with love. Truth isn’t always popular. Sometimes it is hard. But truth, spoken in love, loses its offensive power. As Pope Leo put it, we must never separate “the search for truth from the love with which we must humbly seek it.” This is especially vital when carrying out spiritual works of mercy like counseling the doubtful, instructing one in faith or admonishing one who has hurt or offended us. The goal isn’t just to be right, it to bring people closer to God, the ultimate Truth we live by.

Ditch the stereotypes. People don’t fit neatly into boxes. When we lean on lazy labels, we lose the chance to see each other clearly - and only deepen divisions. As Pope Leo said, “Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment… let us disarm word, and we will help disarm the world." When we try to put some of these guidelines into practice in our community and parish life, we bring about a better sense of unity and peace. If we cannot find that here, how can we have hope for this to be a reality in the world?

Let’s keep this in mind as life ramps up in the parish.

Something to remember is why we bless ourselves with Holy Water often coming in and out of Church. A curious adult asking about our Catholic faith and rituals recently asked me this question after Mass one morning. The practice of blessing oneself with Holy Water harkens back to the washing rituals of the Old Testament Jews, who had to bathe before entering the temple. Today when we bless ourselves with Holy Water coming in and out of Church, it recalls our own Baptism. It was at our Baptism that our souls were washed clean of original sin, and we were officially made members of the Church. Having received the gift of faith we have become temples of the Holy Spirit, places where God dwells. In blessing ourselves we renew our baptismal promise. If you are not in the habit of doing so, bless yourself with Holy Water and be reminded of this beautiful ritual and tradition.

There are many things happening in our parishes and within the community. Please be sure to check our new website for details as well as the bulletin and e-News. Have a great week ahead and a blessed and safe Labor Day weekend to all.

With you a Christian. For you a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish