Blessed Mother’s Day

05-14-2023Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are blessed with many wonderful families at St. Bernadette and in our grade school St. John XXIII. I am inspired and amazed at the incredible sacrifices I see parents make as they bring their children to Mass and to school each week. As I see moms and dads bring their little ones to religious education classes every week, I am inspired and grateful for our parents’ dedication and desire to share God's love with their children. The wonderful catechists and teachers at St. Bernadette and St. John XXIII are here to help you… But your role as your children's primary teacher is your gift to your children. You have the awesome privilege and blessing to form the future of the world In God's Image!

On this Mother's Day 2023, we are reminded that motherhood is a calling by God, and it is a gift from God to our world. Today, we give thanks to God for the gift of our mothers… and we remember also our mothers who have gone before us with the sign of faith and rest in the sleep of peace. Grant them, O Lord, we pray, a place of refreshment, light and peace.

I do believe that mothers are often under-appreciated in their family role. Mothers are blessed and challenged to serve their family in a very individualistic, self-centered society. To be a generous and giving mother is a great treasure in our world. Mothers, in their unconditional and sacrificial love for their children and their family, are the antidote to individualism. I believe they are one of the greatest weapons against war.

Hopefully, you know that authentic motherhood is more than bearing children. Authentic motherhood is a life choice that involves sacrifice, respect for life and a commitment to passing on essential human and religious values. Motherhood, when lived well, enables us to live in a healthy society. Many times, it is the mother who offers the first roots of the faith. A mother’s ability to share the faith with her children often has the deepest impact. Without strong faithful mothers nurturing their children in Godly ways, many of the faithful would be lost.

I hope that the mothers among us can give thanks for their vocations on Mother's Day. Further, I hope as their children, we grow to respect that calling and uphold the institution of motherhood as the divine calling that it is! I came across this statement about motherhood by a woman named Hannah Kardon and I thought it fit here. She is not Catholic so I made a few revisions.

Today, we pray for moms who are struggling and for those filled with joy.
We pray for moms who remember children who have died, and pregnancies that miscarried.
We pray for moms who decided other parents were the best choice for their babies and for the moms who adopted those kids and loved them.
For those experiencing frustration or desperation in infertility.
For those moving forward from moms who did not love or hurt those they should have cared for.
For those who mothered mentees, neighborhood kids, and anyone who needed it. For those remembering moms that are no longer with us.
Today, we honor the unyielding love and care for others that we call 'Motherhood,' wherever we have found it and in whatever ways we have found it.

May God bless Mothers today!

God Bless,

Fr. Don Kline, V.F.
Pastor