May 17, 2026 • Seventh Sunday of Easter
Dear Parish Family:
It is hard to believe that the time has come. Indeed, Now is the Time! This weekend is the last Masses in our church in preparation for the renewal and restoration work that will take place this summer. All Masses and Sacraments will be celebrated in our Summer Church (the Parish Hall) from Memorial Day Weekend (next Saturday evening) through Labor Day Weekend. We have worked hard to make the Summer Church beautiful, prayerful, reverent, and appropriate. I think that when you see it, you will agree that we have accomplished that.
Our work of renewal and restoration is centered on Jesus Christ. The work that has been done up to this point and the work that lies ahead have been researched, prayed about, discussed, discerned, and decided upon with great care, consultation, and collaboration. I am grateful to all who have worked so hard in taking us to this point. I am humbled by and thankful for your generous support of the project as we continue to do God’s work here at Good Shepherd.
As we take leave of the sacred space and move over to the Summer Church for a few months, we give thanks to God for all the graces and blessings that have taken place in our church. We give thanks for all that has been and for all that will be. Saint Augustine said, “Memory is a sacred gift, an inner space where God is found.” Our church holds countless memories that live in our hearts and minds. They remind us of the many ways God has been found in our Church and how God has found us. We will continue to find Him, and He will find us here in this sacred place for generations to come. Here’s a prayer that expresses that:
Lord Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd,
You gather Your flock with gentleness and love.
You lead us beside still waters and guide us along right paths.
As we prepare this sacred space for renewal and restoration,
we entrust our parish home to Your care.
We give thanks and praise for all the years within these walls
that we have heard Your Word, received Your Body and Blood,
met You in the Sacraments, and found comfort in Your mercy.
Keep us united as one flock. Bless the work that is to be done.
Protect all who labor and guide every decision,
so that this house may be renewed and restored
for Your glory for and the good of Your people.
Good Shepherd, may we follow You with trust and hope,
until the day we enter Your Eternal Dwelling in heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Love and prayers,
Father Neil Sullivan