Deacon Ward's...Musings of our Catholic Faith

Mater Dei Parish St. Mary Star of the Sea / St. Edward the Confessor / St. James the Greater / St. Benedict Labre Deacon Ward’s Daily Message Tuesday March 31, 2020  My brothers and sisters in Christ, good afternoon! "Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good."   Catechism  of the Catholic Church (CCC:) 2288 Let us begin with a prayer: A Prayer for Protection in Time of Pandemic  O Mary,  you always brighten our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus’ pain while remaining steadfast in faith. O loving Mother, you know what we need, and we are confident you will provide for us as at Cana in Galilee. Intercede for us with your Son Jesus,  the Divine Physician, for those who have fallen ill,  ...

Mater Dei Parish St. Mary Star of the Sea / St. Edward the Confessor / St. James the Greater / St. Benedict Labre Deacon Ward’s Daily Message Monday March 30, 2020  My brothers and sisters in Christ, greetings! Let us begin with a prayer to our Holy Mother whom we plead for her intercession during this difficult period. May her intercession override the fears and  anxieties of this pandemic scourge, and bring healing of mind and body: Loving Mother of the Redeemer, Gate of heaven, star of the sea, assist your people who have fallen  yet strive to rise again. To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator, yet remained a virgin after as before. You who received Gabriel's joyful greeting have pity on us poor sinners. Amen. There are no new announcements from our Mater Dei parish or from our Diocese. News from around the world:           Same as yesterday...not good. The "safe distance" ru...

Mater Dei Parish St. Mary Star of the Sea / St. Edward the Confessor / St. James the Greater / St. Benedict Labre Deacon Ward’s Daily Message Friday March 27, 2020  My brothers and sisters in Christ, greetings! Let us begin with a prayer: Act of Love for Lent Loving God, we enter the season of Lent in the spirit of joy, giving ourselves to spiritual strife, cleansing our soul and body, controlling our passions, as we limit our food, living on the virtues of the Holy Spirit; may we  persevere  in our longing for Christ so as to be worthy to behold his most solemn passion and the most holy passover, rejoicing the while with spirited joy. Amen. There are no new announcements for today. My simple message to you, as we enter into the weekend, was so perfectly spoken by our Holy Father this afternoon as he blessed all of mankind throughout the world (Urbi et Orbi): "Quiet! Be Still"... DO NOT BE AFRAID!  Until next...

Mater Dei Parish St. Mary Star of the Sea / St. Edward the Confessor / St. James the Greater / St. Benedict Labre Deacon Ward’s Morning Message Thursday March 26, 2020  Let us begin with a prayer: Act of Contrition for Lent My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.  My brothers and sisters in Christ, good day! How are we all doing, as we continue to hunker down in our homes? I'm sure many of you are passing the time with various activities...cleaning, TV binge watching, playing online and board games, etc. But, let's not forget to set aside time for what's really important...living our faith life. How can I do this? We can do this ...

Mater Dei Parish St. Mary Star of the Sea / St. Edward the Confessor / St. James the Greater / St. Benedict Labre Deacon Ward’s Morning Message Wednesday March 25, 2020  ~Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord~ Our greatest saint, Mary did one simple thing. She listened to God’s will—that she was to be the mother of Jesus—and she accepted God’s will.     Have you accepted God’s will in your life? Pray for an understanding of what God is calling you to do. My Brothers and Sister in Christ, good day! "Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good."   CCC: 2288 Let us begin with a prayer: Act of Charity for Lent Almighty Father, you have called me to walk by the light of Christ, your Son, and to trust in his wisdom. During Lent, I submit myself to him completely and strive to believe in him with all my heart. ...

Mater Dei Parish St. Mary Star of the Sea / St. Edward the Confessor / St. James the Greater / St. Benedict Labre Deacon Ward’s Morning Message March 24, 2020 My Brothers and Sister in Christ, good morning! "Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good."   CCC: 2288 Let us pray: Act of Charity for Lent O my God, I love you above all things with my whole heart and soul because you are all good and worthy of my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen. My friends in Christ...a new day has dawned; may we use the hours of this day to imitate the will of our Lord! I have no new pertinent updates for you this morning from our Mater  Dei Parish, or from the Diocese of Burlington. I do remind every one that tomorrow , Wednes...