Dear St. Raphael Parishioners,

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads of St. Raphael!
I hope all our families have a chance to celebrate with them today. I am amazed when I recall my own father who has been departed now for 39 years. He has been gone for far longer than the years I spent with him, yet I remember him as if it was yesterday. All of us are influenced by our fathers in many ways. I have heard it said that having a good relationship with your father correlates strongly with practicing one’s faith as an adult.

Jesus himself used the word Father to describe God in heaven. Jesus even used the ordinary Aramaic word “abba” to refer to God. Abba means father in a familiar way, much like a child might use the word “papa”. This was a radical idea at the time, that people could refer to God in a term as familiar as calling him ‘Dad’. It’s something to meditate on whenever we pray the Our Father.

Volunteer Ministries: The table “Worship & Spiritual Life Schedule” appears elsewhere in this bulletin. We need volunteers for Lector, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Ushers, Altar Servers (middle school age), and eventually, to help with Fellowship. If you were active in any of these before the shutdowns of last year, your old login for the scheduling software should still work. If you lost or forgot your login over the last year (quite possible I would think), you can contact the office and we will get you set again. If you are new to any of these ministries, contact the office regarding the required training for new volunteers.

I will hold training for new Altar Servers on Saturday, June 26 at 9:30 AM in church. We have some students signed up, but can use more.

COVID Situation: Most Covid-related rules have been lifted, but some special situations still require precautions. Unvaccinated adults are still advised to wear a facemask in church. If you have any questions about safety on arriving at the church, the ushers should have a printed copy of the latest directions from the Archdiocese, available in the lobby. Events with large groups of children have special rules still in effect, but this situation may be different by the time Religious Education starts in the Fall.
God bless you all,
Fr. Matthew Kowalski


May God bless you,
Fr. Matthew Kowalski