Dear Parishioners,

Today is the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The time between the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and Ash Wednesday, and between Pentecost Sunday and the First Sunday of Advent, is called Ordinary Time. The word “Ordinary” here does not mean familiar or routine or typical. Rather, the use of the word in this description of the liturgical time during the year refers to the counted or numbered    Sundays of this period. So, today we observe the 14th     Sunday of this period. That being said, Ordinary Time does have a focus. The Sundays and weekdays of Ordinary time are devoted to the Mystery of Christ in all its aspects. During this period we listen to the Lord teach us to be his disciples, we witness his miracles, and we are constantly invited to turn away from sin and be converted by his grace in our Christian lives. During Ordinary Time, I encourage you to listen to the Sunday Word of God like students eager to learn and follow the lead of the Master, the Lord Jesus. The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood. The feast of the Precious Blood of our Lord was instituted in 1849 by Pius IX, but the devotion is as old as Christianity. The  early Fathers say that the Church was born from the pierced side of Christ, and that the sacraments were brought forth through His Blood. “The Precious Blood which we worship is the Blood which the Savior shed for us on Calvary and      reassumed at His glorious Resurrection; it is the Blood which courses through the veins of His risen, glorified, living body at the right hand of God the Father in heaven; it is the Blood made present on our altars by the words of Consecration; it is the Blood which merited sanctifying grace for us and through it washes and beautifies our soul and inaugurates the

beginning of eternal life in it.”

Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy:

Flow upon us. Precious Blood,

Most pure Offering: Procure us every Grace!

Precious Blood, Hope and Refuge of sinners: Atone for us!

Precious Blood, Delight of holy souls: Draw us! Amen

.—S.Catherine of Siena

Please continue to support the 2022 Diocesan Annual    campaign.  we still have a long way to go to reach the goal. Thank you so very much for all of your goodness and       generosity to Saint Benedict the Abbot Parish.

God bless you,

Father Jose Elías.

 

DIOCESAN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN 2022

The 2022 Diocesan Annual Campaign, One Faith, One Family, has begun. Because of the generosity of the faithful throughout the

Diocese of Harrisburg, our 2021 effort was remarkable with 72 parishes reaching and exceeding their goals. The many ministries and programs which received funding are humble by the interest in and support of their efforts. From Evangelization efforts, to the many social service programs offered by Catholic Charities, to ongoing education and formation for our seminarians, clergy and ordained deacons, to support for Catholic education, your gift does make a difference. Please prayerfully consider your gift this year to ensure that the mission of the Church is   fulfilled. Our in pew collection begins the weekend of March 5/6. Your gift, no matter the size, truly makes a difference. To learn more about the Diocesan Annual Campaign, please visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/diocesan-annual-campaign/

Thank you to all our parishioners and visitors for your goodness and generosity to Saint Benedict the Abbot Parish.

God bless you!

Father Jose Elias