St. Stephen Catholic Church

Summer shines brightly and the heat is upon us. As you go about the activities of summer, remember to consecrate your day in the morning to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, so that, wherever the summer journey takes you, it will continue to lead you and your loved ones to the gates of heaven, and return you to loved ones at the end of the day.

If you’re going swimming, bless yourself with the water you are about to swim in, a great way for a quick prayer for safety and remembering your baptism.

Driving somewhere, say a decade of the Rosary at the beginning of the journey to arrive safely and that the casualties of back seat fighting won’t be too severe. You never know this may be your Emmaus moment, you just might encounter Christ along the way.

Family Vacations, check “Masstimes.org” to find a Catholic church near you. Take a picture send it to me and maybe we can have a montage of the “churches of summer”, when we all come back in the Fall.

If you have some spare time, it would be great for your kids to see you volunteer for something. Serving others is a great way for families to spend quality time together and serve those in need.

I get to visit Family in Ireland this summer, the first time since the pandemic. I’m so looking forward to spending time with my siblings (never thought I’d say that when I was a kid) and lifelong friends. We’ll be playing cards and board games and proving which one of us is the best.

Have a safe and blessed summer.
Fr. Dermot