May 15, 2022

Pray for us O holy Mother of God
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ

 
             As I have mentioned in my preaching and articles, participation in our Catholic religion and attending Mass on Sunday were non-negotiable in the Bilot home. Growing up I never understood the importance and deep meaning of the Mass and receiving the Eucharist. I didn’t understand its implications in my life and the life of my family. With this, I have a confession to make...there were times when I was not the best child at Mass. Despite the fact that our parents filed us into the pew in a particular order (which I didn’t get until I was a teen) was a deliberate attempt at keeping us calm and focused. Of all my experiences at Mass I recall one time that wasn’t “pretty.” I recall my mother dragging my one brother (I won’t divulge his name) and I outside of church, sitting us on the cement step and ordered us not move until they came out after Mass. Can you imagine the argument between my brother and I when we were alone as to whose fault it was?! More importantly, we feared the ramifications when we got home. (That part I don’t recall.)
 
The experience of being pulled out of Church is imbedded in my mind and helps me to be understanding of the children under my care here at St. Paul. I know children struggle to understand what is going on and why. The Mass is so deep and mysterious that children/teens feel the presence of Jesus in a place they do not understand. In turn they sometimes respond with boredom or misbehaving. The evil spirit wants to disquiet the young soul. Thus, it is up to the parents, other adults and us clergy to help them recognize the deeper reality of what is happening in their lives; in their soul.
 
             Despite my misbehaving in church, I am so grateful to my parents and the others around me for their tolerance, discipline and a deep care to nurture me despite myself. I would not be a priest today if those around me didn’t help me to grow spiritually. I ask that we encourage and support families who attend church, especially when children misbehave or act disinterested. We must trust in the power of the Scriptures and the Eucharist to move all of us to a place of holiness.
 
I began this article with a prayer prayed at the ending of the rosary. At Mass or in our private prayer we need the promises of Christ: to know Jesus in this life and to love him for eternity in heaven.
 
Each morning I pray the rosary, asking Mary for guidance, especially with my specific intentions. In particular, as your spiritual father, I pray that Mary will guide you and your family in her mantle of peace to the Sacred Heart of her son, Jesus. Mary is a great intercessor to “put us in line” when we are misbehaving and not being attentive. I encourage you to pick up the rosary and begin (if you don’t already) and start a relationship with our Blessed Mother. We have pamphlets to teach one how to pray the rosary, if needed and I am always around during the Masses if you want to ask questions.
 
We did not pray the rosary as a family growing up, but I know my mother did. I am sure she prayed for guidance, peace and support to be a good wife and mother, especially dealing with six rambunctious children! I am grateful to my mother and to Mary, they came through for all of us, especially me!
 
Today, at the 10:00 a.m. Mass we will crown our Blessed Mother. “Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”
 
In assurance of Mary’s love for all of us,
 
Fr. Jim Bilot
 
Please continue to pray for Deacon Luke VanBerkum, O.P. and the Dominican Friars of the Province of
St. Joseph who will be ordained to the Priesthood next Saturday, May 21 in Washington D.C.
Fr. VanBerkum will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Paul on Sunday, May 29 at 12:00noon.