Beloved Chalice

09-05-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Charlie Goraieb

Dear Friends,

I know that many of you will be taking advantage of the holiday weekend to get somewhere cooler. For you that will be traveling, I hope it is a refreshing time.

A few people have commented on the gold chalice that I have been using lately when I celebrate Mass. It is not new. In fact, I found it tucked away in the back of our sacristy closet, tarnished and scratched. The inscription on the bottom of the chalice had the name of the donor family and was dated 1958.

From my years of attending OLMC prior to entering the seminary, I immediately recognized the chalice as the one belonging to Fr (Msgr) McCready. I was very excited when we found a parishioner who said that he could restore the chalice. It took a few weeks, but when it came back, the chalice was stunningly beautiful, and most worthy to once again be used at the altar.

That the chalice belonged to the beloved pastor of our parish, who was also my mentor and guide in my seminary years, only made its use even more signi"cant. Each time I use the chalice, I feel not only privileged but that I am honoring Fr McCready for his many years as a faithful priest. I can see him smiling.

I have been thinking quite a bit about the members of OLMC who have not yet returned to Mass. There could be several reasons for this, but that doesn’t exempt us from the responsibility of doing what we can to invite them (and the many other Catholics who for quite some time have drifted away) to return to the House of God.

 

Regardless of what the chattering classes or the militant “nones” may say, the irrefutable truth is that people need God. We simply cannot be truly happy without Him. And Jesus Christ, through His Church offers all mankind the surest, most complete path to God and eternal life.

Do you desire to help our brothers and sisters in Christ to come home? Please let me know (frcharlie@olmctempe.com). I would like to develop a plan of action with a team of men and women who want to participate in the mission of the Church— the salvation of souls.

Love,
Fr. Charlie Goraieb

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