Dear brothers and sisters,

Our Gospel this week states that, “The Harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” This is very important for us because we are in need of help in our church today. Last week we heard the call to holiness by Jesus when He said, “follow me.” He says the same for us today. Jesus invites us to get involved and to assist in the work of evangelization. We certainly could take time to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, because these ministries are vital to continue spreading the Good News of the Gospel. I pray that our young people keep an open heart to see if our Lord is calling them to service in His Church. It is such a beautiful way to live in this world—to go against the stream, and live in priesthood in a world that doesn’t seem to know it’s looking for Jesus. Saint John Paul II explained what a call to the priesthood is, “His calling is a declaration of love. Your response is commitment, friendship, and love manifested in the gift of your own life as a definitive following and as a permanent sharing in His mission and in His consecrations. To make up your mind is to love Him with all of your soul and all of your heart in such a way that this love becomes the standard and motive of all your actions. From this moment on, live the Eucharist fully; be persons for whom the Holy Mass, Communion, and Eucharistic adoration are the center and summit of their whole life. Offer Christ your heart in meditation and personal prayer which is the foundation of the spiritual life.” (Valencia, Spain, November 8, 1982)

We also, are in need of holy lay people who are willing to get involved in following our Lord. Holiness is lived out in our day to day lives and we have an opportunity to not only set a great example for others but to grow in coming out of ourselves for loving as our Lord does. It can be so rewarding to give a little time to serve our neighbors. There are so many ministries available. Lay ministers of Holy Communion get to bring Jesus to the sick in their homes, nursing homes or Jersey Shore Medical Center, and at Mass. Often times I found that seeing the faith of those we visit can really strengthen our faith and help us to see how putting our faith in action can assist us, and those we visit. Please pray about how Jesus may be calling you to bring the Good News to the world.

Peace,

Fr. Mike