A Message from Father Joe, Our Spiritual Moderator:

In the latter part of July I looked forward to and participated in our annual Family Reunion at Shadehill Lake in Northeastern South Dakota.  While doing so, I “caught up” with many of the changes with my siblings and their families since the last reunion a year ago.  The changes that rose to the top of noteworthiness included the fact of several siblings who had either recently become grandparents or were awaiting their first grandchild.  Each, in a new way, was anxious to pass along to their next generation testimony of the abundant grace received within the family.  Each, too, displayed an irreversible joy that the fruit of their love and sacrifice multiplied before their very eyes.

The Solemn Feast of the Assumption of Mary into heaven gives me pause to think similarly of our Blessed Mother.  Having lived a life serving the Word Made Flesh in the mystery of the Incarnation, of course Mary would rejoice to see the fruit of her love and sacrifice multiplied in the life and love of her son in Church’s next generation!  As the first and most perfect disciple, (according to Father Raymond E. Brown, S.S.,) she shared the first fruit of Christ’s resurrection.  She gave her all for the sake of her Son.  Accordingly, how can she not participate in the raising of the next generation of believers?

To all the beloved women and spouses in the armed forces, on and near this Feast of the Assumption of Mary, may both Mary’s example and intercession spur your “yes” to make every sacrifice needed to pass along to those you love the gift of Christ’s love.  She is the model and the vector of all you hope to ever become.  Give another “yes” today.