Church of the
Annunciation

Pope Francis is leaving his mark on the Church. He recently directed that the title “Monsignor” cannot be conferred on a priest until he is 65 years old. The pope is concerned about careerism. In our Gospel Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew, then James and John. They would join Jesus in announcing the Kingdom of Heaven. Later in the Gospel According to Matthew, the mother of James and John comes to ask a favor of Jesus that her sons will have a special place near Jesus when he comes into His Kingdom. Jesus explains places of honor are not his to give but his Father in heaven. Jesus then asks James and John if they can drink the cup of suffering that he will drink. The sons of Zebedee, James and John, are learning that following Jesus is not a matter of acquiring titles and privilege but of self-giving and service. Jockeying for position is not the only problem in the early church communities. St. Paul is concerned about rivalries and faction in the Church at Corinth when he hears Christians saying: “I belong to Apollos” or “I belong to Peter” or “I belong to Paul.” We do the same today. “I belong to Annunciation” or “I belong to St. Vincent de Paul.” We forget we are one in Christ. Our conversation with parish and school leaders of St. Vincent de Paul continues. The Children are our highest priority. We are committed to a Catholic School in Elma. We are in consultation with third parties to determine the best facility, financial means and other considerations. We are working collaboratively together and with the Diocese. There is a ray of hope.