Happy Mother’s Day

I am always amazed at women who are called to be ‘moms’ who do so much for their children and family life. In addition to being extremely grateful for my own mom, who taught me so much about love and kindness to others, I am also grateful to all the moms in our parish who inspire me by their generosity.

Unfortunately, not everyone was blessed with a loving mom, and my heart goes out to all who might still be working to forgive their mothers. And many who have lost their mothers in death find this day difficult; they need our prayerful support as well.

Fortunately, we all have the Virgin Mary, whom Jesus gave to us as our spiritual Mother to keep us close to Him. Take some time in this month of May to talk to Mary more often, asking her to guide you to God’s Will and to know the Holy Spirit’s Presence deep within you.

On a related note…
One woman in our parish who has been a very loving maternal guide for our teenagers for more than 20 years is Karen Jalbert, our parish’s Youth Group leader. Karen’s deep spirituality and servant’s heart led her to spend countless hours talking with our youth about our Catholic faith each week, guiding them on retreats and mission trips, praying with them and providing some pizza and fun along the way. Karen always listened calmly and well to these young people and supported them through their joys and sorrows. And this wasn’t Karen’s ‘first rodeo’ in youth ministry. She came to our parish after more than 10 years of working in faith formation and youth ministry at the Scott Air Force Base chapel.

Karen is now retiring from her busy role in youth ministry, but she will continue in her other ministries – cantoring and choir -- in our parish. I offer our parish’s deep gratitude for her long-time ministry. Karen, you will never know the full impact of your discipleship, but those you served know it well!

Fr. Jim Deiters