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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This Sunday, Jesus offers a parable that brings into sharp focus what it truly means to follow Him. A father asks his two sons to work in the vineyard. One responds with a polite and ready “yes,” yet never goes. The other resists at first, but eventually does what the father asks. Jesus teaches that the Father’s will is fulfilled not by appearances, promises, or well‑crafted words, but by thedeed - the concrete, lived response that reveals the truth of the heart. This parable invites each of us to examine the gap that can exist between our words and our actions. It is easy to say the right things, to make good resolutions, or to appear dutiful. It is far more demanding to follow through: to serve when we are tired, to forgive when it is difficult, to show up when it is inconvenient, and to choose the Gospel when other paths seem more appealing. At the end of the day, what counts is the deed—the quiet, steady obedience that aligns our lives with God’s will. We are blessed with many doers in our parish. Their faith is not lip service but lived conviction. They prepare our liturgies, teach our children, care for the sick, maintain our grounds, support our ministries, and give generously of their time and resources. Much of their work is unseen, yet it strengthens the parish and gives credible witness to Christ. Their actions speak the Gospel more eloquently than any words could. We pray that the Holy Spirit will raise up even more doers among us - disciples whose hearts are open, whose hands are willing, and whose lives reflect the Father’s call. May our parish grow in the grace to say “yes” not only with our voices but with our choices, our commitments, and our deeds, so that the vineyard entrusted to us may flourish in faith, charity, and service. I wish you a grace-filled week! Fr. Nick Apetorgbor
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This weekend our parish joins the wider Church in observing Catechetical Sunday, a moment set aside to recognize the grace‑filled work of passing on the faith. At its heart, catechesis is not simply the sharing of religious knowledge but the invitation to encounter Jesus Christ personally and deeply. It shapes the inner life, forms conscience, and encourages a way of living rooted in the Gospel. As we mark this day, may our community renew its gratitude for all who help nurture and strengthen the faith of others. We give thanks to God for our faith‑filled parents, the first and most influential teachers of their children. In the everyday rhythms of family life - prayer, Sunday Mass, forgiveness, compassion - they make Christ present in the home. Their steady witness quietly plants seeds of faith that grow over time, strengthening our parish through their fidelity, perseverance, and loving guidance. We also express sincere appreciation for our dedicated catechists, whom we honor today for their generous ministry. Week after week, they prepare lessons, pray for their students, and offer patient guidance. Through their service, children, youth, and adults encounter the beauty of Catholic teaching and the joy of following Christ. Their fidelity ensures that the Gospel continues to be proclaimed with clarity, charity, and conviction. This year’s national theme – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor” - reminds us that catechesis shares in Christ’s own mission. Teaching the faith brings hope to those who struggle, light to those seeking understanding, and encouragement to those longing for God’s presence. Parents, catechists, and all who hand on the faith become instruments of the Holy Spirit, building up the Body of Christ and helping others discover the joy of the Gospel. As we begin a new catechetical year, we pray for God’s abundant blessing upon our families, catechists, and learners. May the Holy Spirit guide every lesson, strengthen every effort, and inspire every heart. May this year be fruitful in faith, hope, and charity. And may all who teach and all who learn be drawn ever closer to Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I wish you a grace-filled week! Fr. Nick Apetorgbor Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Our parish will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, our patronal feast, on Tuesday, September 15. As a community under Mary’s maternal care, we look to her steadfast faith at the foot of the Cross, where she teaches us hope, compassion, and trust in God’s providence. Our Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows, which began on September 7, prepares our hearts, deepens our faith, and unites our personal suffering with the sorrows of Mary. These nine days of prayer lead us to reflect on Mary’s Seven Sorrows. At the center of these sorrows is the moment in John’s Gospel when Mary stands beside her crucified Son and receives the beloved disciple. In that gift - “Behold, your mother” - the Church receives Mary as our mother, who accompanies us in every trial and draws us closer to Christ with quiet strength and unwavering love. The Feast Day Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 PM, and all parishioners are warmly encouraged to attend. A patronal feast is more than a liturgical celebration; it renews our identity as a parish, strengthens our unity, and reminds us of the faith handed down through generations. Gathering together expresses our gratitude for God’s blessings and our commitment to the mission entrusted to us. After Mass, everyone is invited to remain for a festive parish potluck dinner. We kindly ask each household to bring a dish to share. Offering food from our own tables allows us to continue the celebration in fellowship and joy, deepening the bonds that sustain us as a parish family. This feast is a grace-filled moment to pray, celebrate, and entrust our parish once again to the loving intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows. May Mary, who stood faithfully at the Cross, accompany us as we honor her feast and inspire us to follow her Son with renewed devotion and confidence. I wish you a grace-filled week! Fr. Nick Apetorgbor This weekend we are happy to bring back Hospitality Sunday, a simple yet meaningful way for our parish family to gather, reconnect, and strengthen the bonds that make our community a home. Coffee, conversation, and shared fellowship may seem ordinary, but in the life of the Church they carry a deeper grace.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus offers a promise that shapes our understanding of community: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.” He does not speak of grand assemblies or extraordinary events. He speaks of small gatherings - ordinary people coming together with hearts open to God. In such moments, Christ Himself stands among us. Hospitality Sunday is not merely an event on the calendar. It is an expression of who we are as a parish. When we pause after Mass to greet one another, welcome newcomers, or simply share a moment of joy, we make visible the communion Christ desires for His Church. We allow His presence to be felt in the warmth of conversation, in the kindness of a smile, and in the generosity of shared time. As we resume this tradition, we invite everyone to take part in it - not only by attending, but by helping it flourish. A welcoming word, a willingness to serve, an openness to meeting someone new: these small acts make Hospitality Sunday fruitful. They help our parish become a place where people are known, valued, and encouraged in faith. May our gathering renew our commitment to being a parish where Christ is truly among us whenever we come together in His name. May each of us play our part in fostering a community marked by warmth, generosity, and genuine Christian hospitality. I wish you a grace-filled week! Fr. Nick Apetorgbor |
AuthorFr. Nicholas Apetorgbor is the Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Sorrows. Archives
October 2026
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