A Message from Father Nathan
The Holy Mass: The Heart of Our Catholic Faith
Let Us Deepen Our Love for the Eucharist
May we continue to cherish the Holy Mass and develop a deeper love for the Eucharist, the source and summit of our Christian life.
A Beautiful Practice of Faith
I am extremely glad that so many of you offer Masses for the repose of the souls of your loved ones and continue to pray for them. Great going!
Let us remember that the Holy Mass is the central act of worship in the Catholic Church. It is a sacred gathering where Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, in the Word of God, and in the community of believers gathered together at the altar.
The Mass is not merely a religious ritual—it is a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving that fulfills God’s command to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
Why Is the Mass So Important?
The Mass re-presents Christ’s one sacrifice on the Cross in an unbloody manner, making His death and resurrection present to us through the Eucharist.
In the Mass, we encounter:
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Worship and Adoration – The holiest act of worship, where we adore God as our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
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Thanksgiving – The word Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” We give thanks for all God has given us, especially the gift of Jesus Christ.
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Community and Communion – The Mass unites us as the Body of Christ and reminds us that we are not alone in our faith.
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Spiritual Renewal – It offers a break from the distractions of the secular world and helps us refocus on what truly matters.
Grace and Nourishment – Through the Eucharist, we receive spiritual strength for our daily lives.
For What Intentions Can Mass Be Offered?
Many people request Masses for the repose of the souls of loved ones, but the Church allows Mass to be offered for many other intentions as well, including:
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For the intentions of another person (birthdays, anniversaries, or special requests)
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For the sick or those in need of physical or spiritual healing
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For peace and unity in families, communities, and nations
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For the Church and the world, including justice, unity, and the spread of the Gospel
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For the conversion of sinners and reconciliation with God
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For the poor and marginalized, that their needs and dignity may be remembered
For any intention we wish to lift up to the Lord
A Necessity and a Celebration
In short, the Mass is both a necessity and a celebration. It should be part and parcel of our lives.
It is the privileged way we encounter Christ, give thanks, grow in faith, and become part of a community that supports and inspires one another.
God bless you all.
With prayers and blessings, and ever at your service
— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
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Past Messages from Father Nathan
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | December 26, 2021
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Our family life becomes sanctified when we live the life of the Church within our homes – called “domestic church”
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | December 19, 2021
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David the Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | December 12, 2021
St Gabriel Parish welcomes you to celebrate Christmas. Join us for a retreat Dec 13- 14, Christmas Novenas daily 16-24th & a concert Dec 19
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | November 14, 2021
I am extremely glad to witness a lot of our winter parishioners who are coming back again to the parish upon their return to Florida! I fee extremely delighted and happy to see your faces without a mask. As I mentioned doing the weekend Masses please continue to be safe and take good care of
yourself.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 21, 2021
All Saint’s Day is a solemn holy day in the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1st to honor all the saints, known and unknown.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | July 11, 2021
July 14 We Celebrate St. Kateri Tekakwitha – Patroness of ecology and the environment, people in exile, and Native Americans.
First Native American to be recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church