Our 50th Anniversary Celebration

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, at the end of September, we will be celebrating the 50^th anniversary of our parish.  Rather than include a short announcement about the upcoming celebration in the Pastor’s Bench, Sunday homilies or announcements from the pulpit, I would like to provide you with some details about what we have planned to honor this special occasion.

Originally, it was suggested that we have a big celebration with fireworks, a great dinner for all parishioners, gifts and plaques to commemorate our fifty years as a parish community.  Even though this is a time for celebration, it is also a time for reflection and action on the current economic turmoil and hardships experienced by the families of our community and our country.  Many of our brothers and sisters are without work, raising children in poverty and haunted by fears about their economic security.  These are not just economic problems, but also human tragedies, moral challenges and tests of our faith.  As we approach our 50^th anniversary, over nine percent of Americans are unemployed and unable to find work.  Others fear the loss of jobs.  Wages are not enough to cover expenses.  As a result, many have lost their homes or now owe more than their homes are worth.

As Christians, we are to live in solidarity with the less fortunate and those struggling in these difficult economic times.  It is for that reason we decided to organize something simple, yet, significant.  Our celebration will help us remain focused on what really matters: the Eucharist. 

We, the Pastoral Council and I, decided to organize a special Mass to give thanks to God for fifty years of parish life at St. Vincent de Paul.  This Mass will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in the area next to the Parish Center.  It was deemed best to have an outdoor Mass to accommodate all who wish to participate.  For those wishing to attend Mass inside the church that weekend, we will celebrate Mass as usual on Saturday, September 24^th at 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 25^th at 8 a.m.   We will not have Sunday Mass at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. in the Church. Instead, we invite all to join us at 11:30 a.m.

We will lovingly prepare an altar to celebrate the Eucharist. A tent and chairs will be provided for your comfort.   I ask you to bring your good heart and a great attitude.  If we have high temperatures that morning, let us gladly offer it to God in thanksgiving for 50 years of our parish.

The following day, Monday, September 26, 2011 at 6 p.m., we will have a ceremony to dedicate our church’s altar.  Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller will preside over the Eucharistic Celebration.  The Rite for the dedication of a church and an altar is rightly considered among the most solemn of liturgical services.  A church is the place where the Christian community is gathered to hear the Word of God, to offer intercession and praise to Him, and above all, to celebrate the holy mysteries.  It is also the place where the holy sacrament of the Eucharist is kept. 

The planning committee has worked diligently to coordinate our celebration and find the funds needed for these events.  Committee members deserve a huge THANK YOU!  God knows who they are and they will be rewarded abundantly.  I, as your pastor, am deeply grateful.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, help us to have a wonderful celebration together as a community and parish centered on the Eucharist.  May she guide us as we work to help the less fortunate.

Father Agustin

Pastor