Pastor's Corner

December 4 , 2022

Happy Advent! First a reminder of our various Advent/Christmas outreach opportunities:

• Honor a loved one this holiday season by donating a poinsettia in their name. (see page 3 of the bulletin for details)
• Adopt A Family and share the spirit of Christmas in a truly magnificent way by providing a family in-need with a Christmas they otherwise would not be able to have on their own. (see page 5 for details)
• Support St. Bede Troop 507 Toy Drive for the US Marine Corps ‘Toys for Tots’ program. (see page 3 for details)

Looking for a year-end tax deduction? Consider our ANEW capital campaign to turn our dream hall/gym into a reality. Our goal is to be fully pledged by February 2023. We had previously reached our goal, but inflation has taken its toll. Thus, we are striving to make this happen in the next several months so that we can tear down the existing hall this summer (while school is out of session.) Extra Hail Marys are warmly appreciated.

Someone asked me: What is the #1 concern that parents of college-educated children have expressed to me here at St. Bede’s:

• My adult children don’t believe anymore.
• My children won’t baptize my grandchildren.
• My children have embraced 'wokeness' that was spoon-fed to them in college.

So, what does a parent do? My response is to pray for the children that they will see the light. Miracles do happen.

In my opinion (you are free to disagree), this ‘wokeness’ is endemic, not only in most colleges and universities, but everywhere…in social media and in every social setting that today’s young adults are in. I was fortunate to have received a Jesuit high school and seminary education … both institutions stressed and valued critical thinking. That critical thinking has put me on guard against anything that has not stood the test of time and may just be trendy and/or group think. Unfortunately, today’s young adults tend to believe everything they are hearing and reading about inequality and racism and other social injustices. In the process, their belief in God and all they have known is being lost. I believe their critical thinking abilities have been challenged and it is sad.

As an aside, I am not a believer of “cramming religion down the throat” of others. I feel that this approach works for a very small percentage of people. Smile. Love. Don’t prod. Encourage and be nurturing. Pray. Give it to Jesus. Make peace despite the disappointments.

Interestingly, there was someone else at daily Mass recently with their grandchildren. They were little girls, and all but one had NOT yet received their first communion (they were too young). All of them knew their prayers and were extremely well behaved. They didn’t squirm. They were angels. How does that happen? I think it happens when we turn our homes into domestic churches and when holy examples are given and the family prays together.

Well, you heard enough of my opinions for 2022. I hope you are not offended, even if you disagree.

Advent blessings,

Fr. Jim Bevacqua, Pastor