Dear Parishioner,

“Summertime…and the living is easy” so the saying goes. We all try to find some time to relax – or at least change the
routine of our hectic schedules during the summer months (which pass so quickly).
 
I had the opportunity to spend two weeks at the Jersey shore with my family. Since I love the beach, I couldn’t be happier sharing the time with my great-nephew and great-niece, Haydn (10 years old) and Ainsley (6 years old). It is true that children are God’s greatest gifts. I could not have bargained for a better vacation!

I find the beach and the ocean very relaxing, very therapeutic for all the senses…a spiritual experience…healing for the mind, body, and spirit…shells and rocks, and sand castles …the ebb and flow of the sea. I came upon a story that I’d like to share with you; it comes from a book Ocean Star written by Christine DiMari.  Insert:

“ A long time ago the nighttime sky was filled with bright shining stars. All we had to do was look up to their light to help us find our way. There were so many zillions of stars to look up to that no one ever got lost. Then one day, some of the stars forgot how to shine. One by one, many of then broke and fell from the sky. They landed in the sea. It is there they will learn life’s most profound lessons. If they will stay connected to their Source of Life, they will grow back all their missing pieces and find healing for their deepest wounds. Once restored to their original design, they turn back into a star, shining for others the way they were meant to. So be kind and gentle to an ocean star if you ever find one, it’s trying to find its way home.”

Refreshed, renewed, re-energized from my respite by the sea, I am home at OLC to resume my activities and prepare for the coming year. I hope you have had similar experiences to refresh your bodies and souls before the hectic days of September. Summer isn’t over yet… take advantage of these hazy (lazy ?) days to enjoy the gifts of nature with which God surrounds us. Let us remember summer breezes…As we face all that September seizes…

May we take our responsibility seriously
 

      Sr. Arlene