Dear Disciples of Christ at Holy Spirit, St. Helen’s, and St. Mary’s,

Motherhood is indeed a very special blessing from God. As we ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God to intercede on behalf of all our mothers, let us offer our heartfelt love and prayers to all those who are moms, grandmothers, godmothers and anyone who gives motherly care. Bless you all. May God grant you peace and extend His love ever more deeply to you.

This year I am more than ever grateful for the miracle of motherhood. On my birthday my niece, Katie, gave birth to a twenty-inch, seven-pound baby boy. The circumstances around her pregnancy and birth provided some drama, but by the grace of God he is a healthy boy. Meanwhile, just two days later our own Rochelle McNamara became a grandma for the first time. John and Rochelle’s daughter, Megan, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Two births within two days of my own birthday were truly special.

However, let us not forget the blessing of motherhood. It is truly a gift from God. Moms rightly hold a special place in our hearts. Honoring them, praying for them, and thanking them can never be an option. It is a duty. We owe our moms our lives. A simple thank you cannot begin to cover the multitude of sacrifices they made nor can it express the value of the love they gave to us.

After all, moms gave us life. Moms offered love to us. They teach us the important values of life. Moms give witness to the center of faith in our lives. Even women who have never given birth reflect these traits in their daily work, their prayer, and their service to God often through the Church.

My mom taught me that life is precious. Her smile brought joy into my life and my sisters. Her struggles with health taught me the value of patience and perseverance. I learned to go out of my way to help others because she would do the same. I am grateful for the lessons she taught me. I miss her, but she is always in my heart.

This Mother’s Day let us show our love and gratitude to our moms. Give a high-five to the women who offered a helping hand or a moment of comfort. Bless all you moms. May God watch over you. May he grant you his peace. May he also welcome our beloved departed moms into the home of the Father.

Happy & Blessed Mother’s Day.

Fr. Tom