From the Desk of Father Mark - Our Pastor
May 11, 2025 - Fourth Sunday of Easter

“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

The image of Jesus as the Shepherd evokes many thoughts of God’s protection for us his children. In Psalm 23, the familiar words ‘The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want’ resonate because we know and believe that with God, we have all we need. The image of the shepherd can also be seen in the vocation of parenthood and this weekend, motherhood. The image of a mother watching over their children is indeed an example of God’s love. I offer the following prayer, the source of which is unknown to me. I love this prayer and hope you do as well.

“Glorious and wonderful God, you so loved us that you sent the Incarnate word, Jesus, to live among us. In human existence you felt as we do a mother’s touch, a mother’s love, a mother’s disapproval and a mother’s sorrow.

Bless and keep all mothers safe this day and every day. Bless those mothers and grandmothers of our memory who are now at rest in You. Grant a special grace to those women who are the mother of foster children, adoptive children, or who provide a mother’s touch to children who are not their own. Strengthen those who mother without the support of a husband. Heal mothers’ hearts hurt by broken relationships with their children. Comfort all mothers who mourn a deceased child.

Please God, give every mother the grace she needs to live out this most holy calling. Give them joy and peace in you. We ask all this in the name of Jesus, Amen.” - Source unknown

Happy Mother’s Day!

Fr. Mark Walter
Pastor of Our Lady of the Ridge - St.Linus Parish