Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Bishop Malloy is lifting the dispensation from Mass beginning in July obliging us once again to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. The third commandment demands of us to keep holy the Lord’s Day as an act of justice toward God. It is time to return to Mass in order to give God His due worship.
The Church teaches that there are four ends (or purposes) for the Holy Mass. The first end of Holy Mass is adoration. It is right and just to adore the living God. He made us; we belong to Him. The second purpose is thanksgiving. At Mass we offer a sacrifice of praise through Jesus to the Father. Thanksgiving shows our humble gratitude to the Almighty. The third reason for the Holy Mass is to participate in the atonement that Jesus made for our sins. The one saving death of Jesus is re-presented on the altar. We offer ourselves with Jesus to the Father for our redemption and indeed, for the whole world. And, lastly, the Holy Mass petitions God for spiritual and temporal benefits for ourselves from the acceptable offering of the Son of God.
Come back to God. Come back to the Holy Mass. The Lord wants to fill you with good things. Come to the wedding feast of the Lamb. Come to the living God. Come to worship and to receive eternal life.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 