Pastor's Letter

CHANGING OUR MINDS
In Jesus’ parable today, the owner of a vineyard has two sons and asks them to work. The first one says “no” but then changes his mind and does it. The other says “yes” but never gets to the work he’s sent to do. Jesus asks our opinion: “Which son did his Father’s will?”
 
Jesus used this parable to explain his reception among the religious establishment. At first, some people rejected him, but then opened their hearts and changed their minds once they truly encountered him.  Others, who at first were intrigued by John the Baptist’s endorsement of Jesus, later changed their minds and worked against him.
 
Changing our minds involves changing our hearts, too. We can reject something good for us and then later accept it, just as easily as we can accept something good for us and later reject it. What we need to hold onto is doing the needful thing.
 
In this time of pandemic, social unrest, political tension, making adjustments and doing things in different ways, we’ve had to sort through a lot of emotions and changes.  Some things that we originally rejected we’ve embraced, and vice versa, even matters of faith.
 
When it comes to faith, like Jacob in the Old Testament (see Genesis 32:23-33), we may find ourselves wrestling with God as we contemplate all we go through, wondering why we see so much pain and hardship.  What we learn from Jacob’s struggle, is that he came through it stronger than before.  He had a new take on life and grew wiser. And he felt blessed because of it.
 
So will we. Challenges are part of every spiritual journey. Our life is full of accepting and rejecting. But we hold onto our faith, which compels us to continue to do the work of the kingdom even when we struggle—to continue to help those in need; to be of service; to keep attending Mass; to pray; to build relationships; and to stay close to Christ who strengthens us. The Eucharist is the very thing that tells us God is with us, which is why as Catholics it is the central aspect of our spiritual lives. The Eucharist is our “yes” to God that always means yes.
 
DEACON DICK LAWSON: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
After 21 faithful years of service to our community as a Deacon, Dick Lawson is

“Rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all!” (Phil 4:4-5)   If you’d like to send a note or card to thank Dick Lawson and wish him well on his retirement, feel free to drop him a line at: Deacon Dick Lawson Saint Hubert Parish 729 Grand Canyon Street Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

retiring. He’s not retiring from being a part of Saint Hubert, but is retiring from his duties as a deacon, which included assisting at the liturgies, presiding at baptisms and marriages, preaching the gospel, and doing charitable works for the community (like hosting our food drives, helping those who turn to us in times of need, and helping to forge relationships with St. Aloysius, our sharing parish).
 
Deacon Lawson, in his humility and servant’s heart, did them all and did them well. We all benefited from his service and commitment to us. On page 6 you’ll have an opportunity to hear some final thoughts. But also visit us on-line on our YouTube channel (Saint Hubert Catholic Parish) to hear his final homily and to help us bless him
 
When we serve to help make God’s kingdom felt, the way Dick has done, we help glorify the Lord with our lives. And it enriches the lives of those around us. 
 
Go forth, “good and faithful servant,” in the peace of Christ,
 
–Fr. Mike