St. Laurence Parish Audio recordings

ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN 2020

A few months before the beginning of each Liturgical Year, Fr. Drew shares a theme with his parish for the upcoming year. Prophetically, last August he introduced the theme Surrender to God and He Will Do Everything for You. In the midst of our characteristic busyness and positivity, with packed Sunday Masses and vibrant parish life, we listened to Fr. Drew’s words, but could never have iåmagined what was just around the corner for us here at St. Laurence. And throughout the world.

But like a good shepherd, our pastor guided his large flock through the pandemic, gently encouraging us to practice patience, obedience, faithfulness… and surrender to God. He related to our misery, our uncertainty and doubt, but at the same time, urged us not to give into anger and to “live this mystery as gracefully, gratefully and graciously as we can.”

In his homily on Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Drew consoled us with the same words St. Peter gave to members of the early Church: “Know that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace… will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little (1 Pt 5:10).” So, here we are a year later. A people who have suffered, some a little, some a lot. A people who yearn for refreshment and restoration.

Today, Fr. Drew announces his theme for the upcoming year: Restored. This simple one-word theme conveys great hope. Not a promise to return to business as usual, but something better. Through our suffering – and because of our surrender – we are strengthened and restored.

What were our moments of surrender? What have we learned? How have we grown? In what ways may God already be restoring us? What are we most grateful for? Sharon Ehrenkranz Director of Parish Life For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried; you led us, God, into the snare; you laid a heavy burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but then you brought us relief. (Psalm 66:10-12)