Our Lady Of Perpetual Help

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Reflection - Week of August 9

Question of the Week:


When has my faith helped me to cope with my fears or overcome them?




















     Paul’s heart broke when he considered that most of his own people—the Chosen People—could not see Jesus as the Messiah. But up until his journey to Damascus, he too was in that state. In fact, he was dedicated to persecuting those, like Stephen, who saw Jesus as the Christ. He feels the anguish so deeply because he regrets the actions of his old self so deeply. Seeing through eyes of faith can challenge us, for we cannot return to our old imperfect way of seeing things.

     Fear is a great threat to faith in the Bible, from the Chosen People’s fear of starvation in the desert to Peter’s fear while walking on the water in today’s Gospel. It is no wonder that whenever an angel visits, the first words out of their mouth are, “Do not be afraid.” Overcoming fear, as Abraham did when bringing Isaac up the mountain, or David in facing Goliath, takes faith. Peter fails on this count today. His “little faith” leads to doubt, which allows his fear to overtake him (Matthew 14:31). Peter is literally drowning in fear. Faith allows us to walk above our fears.


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Resumption of Sunday Mass Obligation

"Effective Easter Sunday, April 4 (or as of the Easter Vigil, April 3), I am ending the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, which has been in effect since mid-March 2020. However, anyone who is sick, may have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19, or who has a health condition that would endanger themselves or others by being present in church, continues to be dispensed."

-Bishop Larry Silva



       Please click on the link below to read the Bishop's Memorandum in its entirety.


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