It seems that this column is always lagging behind as things change so quickly. Since I wrote last weekend’s column, I had the funeral service for Mildred and the funeral Mass for my dad, as he passed away on the day of his wife’s funeral, as I shared with you at Mass last weekend. Mildred’s family decided to have the funeral now even though her one daughter (she has two) was not able to be here for it as she lives in California & due to medical issues, cannot fly. But she was able to be with us in spirit as she watched the service via FaceTime.

I want to thank all of you who offered me “assurances of faith” as we say at the end of our funeral Mass, and to all who were present at the funeral Mass for Dad. My siblings, nieces & nephews and I are all deeply grateful for your prayers & support during this time. I believe my dad would have been proud of us and I know that we are so proud and grateful to have had such wonderful parents. How important family is for both our personal growth as well as for the good of society. As Pope St. John Paul II said, “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” Such words reveal their truth today. May Dad and Mom & Mildred all rest in God’s perfect peace (until we get there!).

I’m glad that some were able to join us for the funeral Mass virtually through our live-streaming technology. So I want to let you know that if the funeral Mass of a loved one takes place here at St. Leo’s, we are happy to have it live-streamed for the sake of those unable to be physically present for it. In fact, you are able to view any past live-streamed Mass or event for up to a year after it has been broadcast live (that is how long the company keeps the video available on their server). To view any past broadcast, just click the “Watch on Demand Video” link on the homepage of our parish website (leothegreat.org). Then just click in the search box and look up the name of the broadcast (such as the name of your deceased loved one in the case of a funeral Mass). We are also able to offer you the ability to have a copy of the video itself in MP4 format, which you can store & view on your phone, tablet or computer. However we need to provide the link for you to that from our rectory office so just reach out to me or to the Office Manager & I will be happy to help with that.

Today (if you’re reading this on Sunday) is Super Bowl Sunday. I have to confess that I’m not a fan of watching these games anymore but I do participate in eating the food that generally accompanies such festivities so I ordered some subs that the Boy Scouts were providing for this occasion. Remember to pick them up in the school cafeteria between 9am and 1pm today. We were happy to have the Boy Scouts at the 11am Mass last Sunday and welcome Troop 24 to our parish! Please let us know if you have a son who would like to join this troop. I was a Cub Scout when I was younger & really enjoyed the friendships made and all that I learned. It’s an admirable organization and I’m grateful to Mike Robinson & Marty Criscuolo for taking on this responsibility and for being adults that these young men can look up to.

One of my greatest joys in ministry is being able to share the truths of our Catholic faith with those who are seeking (or who actually are being sought!). Over my life, I continue to find such joy in the always-growing knowledge of God’s love for me and for the world. As a Catholic Community, we seek to know Truth, Goodness & Beauty, which is God Himself. So if you yourself are not Catholic, or a fully initiated Catholic (which means you haven’t yet been confirmed or received Holy Communion), and are interested in learning more, please reach out to me. I’m always anxious to share with others the joy of faith and the good news of God’s love.