06/18/2026
Our Pastor's Corner – June 21st, 2026
Dear Friends,
This weekend we celebrate the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. One of the most common phrases in Sacred Scripture is, “Do not be afraid.” In fact, it is heard 365 times in the Bible. Someone once observed that the words “Do not be afraid” appear so often in the Bible that they seem to be God's favorite command! Perhaps it appears again and again because fear is one of the most common human experiences. We worry about our families, our health, our finances, our future, and even what others think of us. Fear has a way of taking over our minds and hearts and robbing us of peace.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus speaks directly to that fear. Three times He tells His disciples, “Do not beafraid.” These words were not spoken to people living easy lives. The disciples would face rejection, persecution, hardship, and uncertainty. Yet Jesus assures them that they remain securely in the Father’s hands.
To make His point, Jesus uses a simple image from everyday life. Sparrows were among the least expensive birds sold in the marketplace, yet not one of them falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge. Then He adds these remarkable words: “You are worth more than many sparrows.” What a powerful reminder. God knows us personally. He sees our struggles, our disappointments, and our hidden burdens. Nothing escapes His attention. Even “the hairs of your head have all been counted.” We are not anonymous in Gods eyes. We are His beloved sons and daughters.
The temptation in difficult times is to believe that God has forgotten us or that we are facing our challenges alone. The Gospel tells us otherwise. Trust does not mean that life will be free of suffering. It means that whatever we face, God walks with us. His providence is at work even when we cannotimmediately see it.
As we continue through Ordinary Time, perhaps each of us can ask: What fear am I carrying today? Then place that fear before the Lord. Hear Him speak the same words He spoke to His disciples: “Do not be afraid.” The world often tells us to rely solely on ourselves. Christ invites us to rely on Him. When we remember that we are known, loved, and cared for by God, fear begins to lose its power, and trust begins to grow. May we enter this week with confidence in the Father’s loving care, knowing that we are always precious in His sight.
On this Father’s Day weekend, we remember in a special way all of our dear fathers. We will have a special blessing at all the Masses this weekend for them and pray for them in the Prayers of the Faithful. Whether living or deceased, let us never forget our dear fathers and always seek to honor and remember them with a spirit of profound love and respect.
This past week was a day of milestones for our children at Assumption Academy. On Thursday morning, our younger children gathered for a simple Prayer Service in church. Then at Noon, we celebrated Kindergarten Graduation with a gathering afterwards in the Hall. Our parents and faculty were very proud that day. I want to thank our acting Pro-Tem Principal, Mrs. Joan Emmi, Mrs. Judy Tolan our Administrative Assistant, and our faculty and aides as we conclude another year here at our Academy.
The Festival Thermometer is back! Our goal this year has been set at $8,500. Please consider making a donation to our annual Festival appeal this year as it really helps to defray the many costs and expenses associated with the feast. A donation box is located in the back of church, or you may go to the Festival page on our website to donate online.
The Festival Ad Book is being put together as part of our fundraising efforts. All ads, patron club levels & memorials need to be submitted by Friday, July 17 . If you have any questions or need help with your requests, please contact the Parish Office or Millie Slifer at 610-662-6231.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia will host the culmination of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage from July 2nd-5th as Catholics from across the country gather to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The pilgrimage, themed “One Nation Under God,” will conclude in Philadelphia following stops in cities along the East Coast. The event is part of a nationwide Eucharistic revival focused on prayer, worship and public witness to the Catholic faith.
Events planned in Philadelphia include Holy Mass, a Eucharistic procession, continuous Eucharistic adoration at the Cathedral Basilica, service opportunities and additional devotional activities throughout the four-day gathering. A full schedule of events and Eucharistic adoration signups are available at archphila.org/underGod.
This weekend our Baby Bottle Drive for Mother’s Home in Darby, PA comes to an end. We thank you for your participation in this drive this year and for helping mothers who are in need.
Until next week, I hope you are enjoying these summer months and may God continue to bless you and your families!
Love and Prayers,
Father Carey
