United & Restored in Christ

As we continue to pray and work together for safety and healing in this pandemic, in our nation, and in the human family, we are reminded by Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper of the special unity we are called to live as Christians. One of the jobs of a shepherd (in the fields, our homes, the parishes, and the universal Church) is to keep the flock together. The expressions “united we stand” and “e pluribus unum” (out of many, one) are examples of this value of unity. Unity does not require uniformity (sameness) but togetherness; we can disagree on some things while still bringing together our different gifts for the good of all. Jesus prays to the Father for all of his disciples, “that they may be one as we are one... so that the world may know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:22-23). Our unity as Christians and our divisions both have an effect on the fruitfulness of Jesus’ mission of love to save all people.

As we look ahead to Lent and beyond, we are working on plans to welcome back those who have been away from Mass, whether because of the pandemic or any other rea-son. It can take effort to establish or restore good habits like Sunday Mass attendance, so whenever people feel ready to return to church we want to be encouraging and supportive of one another. The unity of our faith family which has been praying with and for each other during this time of separation can be a good motivation. As our archdiocese continues to celebrate a special Holy Year of the Eucharist, the ability to actually receive Communion will also be a great blessing – especially for those who have been away from this Sacrament for so long!

Two immediate examples of unity and restoration in our collaborative parishes are happening this week. This weekend we are invited by the Knights of Columbus in both parishes to renew our Consecration to the Holy Family. Whether you are a family of fifteen or a family of one, we are all part of our parish families, so please pray this prayer of consecration with us at all Masses this week-end. Next Saturday, February 6, we are restoring the Saturday morning 9am Mass in Plainville, this time at the church of St. Martha Parish. This change in location is aimed at transforming the sad closing of the Jesus & Mary Mission Center into a new opportunity for our resident Sisters and our Collaborative Community to celebrate a “weekday” Mass at St. Martha. Please join us in the church if you are able, or you can join in the celebration on our Facebook and YouTube pages.

May Jesus’ prayer continue to draw us back together in the months to come and restore our unity in faith and in our human family.