I've always enjoyed writing, which is fortunate since I consider it very important to foster good communication within our parish, keeping our parishioners as well informed as possible about recent happenings, upcoming events, important dates, etc.  And often enough I just like to share what I'm thinking about!  The following brief essays appear in our parish bulletin most weekends.    - Father Brian

September 7, 2025

It’s hard to believe, but the summer came to an unofficial end last weekend with our observance of Labor Day.  The time seems to have flown by awfully fast, but I hope you’ve had the opportunity at some point over the past few months to enjoy the long days and warm temps, to downshift into a less harried pace, and to savor some of the lovely things that living here on Long Island affords us.

This past week brought the start of a new school year (ready or not!), and all the busyness and anticipation that comes with that fresh start.  I hope the following prayer helps put this new beginning into context, asking that all we are and all we do be encircled by God’s transforming love:

Loving God,
your gentle hand guides us from one season to the next, and blesses each of our new beginnings with promise and hope.
 
As our children and young people begin a new school year, we ask you to take them by the hand and shepherd them throughout the months to come.  Open their minds to the wealth of knowledge their teachers will offer them, and let them find real enjoyment in learning.  May this year’s discoveries leave our children eager for more. 
 
Give them strength to handle any challenges or disappointments they may have to face.  Help them to be patient with themselves when studying is hard.  And at year’s end, let them look back with pride, and a keen sense of their own special gifts.
 
Bless, too, our teachers, parents and families, and all who will shape the minds and hearts of our young people.  May their patience, dedication, and love be the keys that unlock the door to our children’s future.  We ask all this in the name of our Brother and Master Teacher, Jesus the Lord. 
Amen.
 
May our patron and brother, St. Lawrence, pray for us!  God love you.