Pastor's Weekly Message

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Dear St. Agnes Parishioners
 
I RECEIVED A LETTER RECENTLY FROM A PARISHIONER
WHICH I TOTALLY AGREE WITH AND
THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE HER THOUGHTS WITH YOU:

Dear Father Hayes,
I hope this note finds you well.
I pray things are beginning to settle a little for you now that the church has reopened.
It certainly has been a non-stop marathon of undertakings
since you arrived a year ago in July. I know there is still much
to be done and always the burden of continuous repair
and maintenance to an aging structure, but it is such a blessing to
be back celebrating Mass in the church again.
St. Agnes is a beautiful church,
and it is reassuring to see her being cared for so lovingly.
I write with gratitude for your pastoral care and guidance,
and not to add to your worries as I humbly share a heartfelt request.

Over the past months, I’ve found myself reflecting deeply
on the mystery and majesty of the Holy Eucharist—the Real
Presence of Christ among us.
This sacred gift, so central to our faith,
calls for a posture of awe and humility. In that light,
I wonder if our parish might consider reinstating the option
to receive Holy Communion at the Communion Rail,
allowing each communicant to choose whether to kneel or stand,
and to receive on the tongue or in the hand.
Such a gesture, I believe, would not only honor the diversity
of devotional expression among parishioners but also gently
restore a sense of solemnity and sacred order to the liturgy.
The Communion Rail, in its quiet beauty, invites us to pause,
to adore, and to receive with intentional reverence.


Alongside this, I’ve noticed a growing need to reclaim silence
and contemplative prayer within the church—especially before and after Mass.
Our sacred space, meant to be a dwelling place for the Lord,
sometimes feels more like an auditorium than a house of God.
I say this not in judgment, but with a longing to help foster
an atmosphere where hearts can truly listen,
where prayer can rise undisturbed, and where the presence of
Christ in the tabernacle is met with loving stillness.

I know that any change requires thoughtful discernment,
and I trust your wisdom in shepherding our community.
My hope is simply to offer this reflection as one voice who
cherishes the sacred and seeks to deepen collective reverence.
Thank you for hearing my heart.
I remain grateful for your leadership and your devotion to the Church.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you in all things.


With respect and prayer,
(Parishioner)
 
Sincerely in Christ, 
     Fr. Dennis J. Hayes, III

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