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Pastor’s Letter: July 26, 2026

Dear St. Philomena Parish Family,

Blessings and peace to you all this day! As we are moving toward the end of July, I have been thinking very much about gearing up for the school year ahead. It has been a very full summer of projects, especially at the school. Our biggest project has been replacing all of our flat roof sections–except for the East Jr. High roof which we did last summer. This was a big project and I am so thankful we have it completed! By doing the remaining flat roof sections together we were able to garner a substantial savings on the cost of the work (more on that in the fall when I share the annual pastor’s report). I am joyful to say that those sections of our roof should be set for the next 20 years!

Last week, as we reviewed through the Wedding liturgy, I mentioned that we would take a closer look at the Nuptial Blessing, a special blessing that is bestowed on a newly married couple. In a Wedding Mass, this blessing is given between the Our Father and the Sign of Peace…that is, just a short while before Holy Communion. In the celebration of Marriage outside of Mass, this blessing is usually given at the end of the General Intercessions

There are three options for the Nuptial Blessing that can be chosen, each of them highlighting God’s creation and the gift of marriage from the beginning. These special prayers also ask a blessing for the bride and groom, both individually and together as a married couple. They ask God for strength so the couple can live faithfully and be witnesses to Christ Finally, these prayers conclude asking God for the blessing of children and family and then a prayer to enjoy the Kingdom of Heaven when their years together on earth have come to an end.

For an example of the Nuptial Blessing, below is..