Fr. Simon's Letter - September 3, 2023

Happy Labor Day! As this holiday marks the end of summer activities, let us remember that work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continued participation in God’s creative action. Labor Day provides an opportunity to give thanks to God for the gift of work which ‘anoints’ us with dignity; to ask for God’s assistance in providing our nation and world with work for all that is decent and fair, and to invite God’s help in making us faithful stewards of his creation to the benefit of all humankind. It is also an opportunity to pray for those who must work in jobs that ignore their dignity and for those who’ve lost their jobs and are seeking work at this time; let us be respectful of every kind of human labor and the dignity it affords us being co-creators with the Almighty.

What a wonderful turnout we had this past Sunday for our ‘backpack blessing’ to mark the beginning of a new school year. I express my deepest gratitude to all parents for bringing your children to Mass and teaching them to trust the best teacher – Jesus!

As school begins, so do many of the ministries and activities in the parish. You may remember that during the season of Lent, we invited you to take part in an Archdiocesan-wide Disciple Maker Index survey. A total of 499 of our parishioners, which accounts for about 27% of the parish that attend Sunday Mass, shared their input on a number of aspects of faith and community life here at Queen of All Saints. As you will recall, the survey asked questions about each parishioner’s own journey of discipleship and how the parish and the pastor are doing to support you along the way.

Our parish pastoral council, parish ministry leaders and I will take the next few months to review and interpret the results and develop a comprehensive report on what was collectively shared. Following that initial assessment, we will then identify actions to address specific areas of growth – whether it be across the parish or for me, personally, as your pastor.

I am grateful for everyone in our parish for what you have contributed through this survey. It is clear to me that we, as a community of faith, are hungry to grow closer to our Lord and to assist one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.  I look forward to sharing more in the coming months and working with all of you to continue renewing our local church and our beloved QAS parish community.

In the meantime, please continue to pray for our parish and let us help one another to grow in our faith and build up our community. Come and be part of the great things that are happening at QAS!!

Blessings!!