Happy Birthday, Fr. Andrew Pyon

Monday, July 14th felt like September because of the cloudy, rainy sky; and yet, everybody was happy and excited because it was a day of celebration: Fr. Andrew Pyon's birthday was on July 13th (a milestone one!), and we organized a party for him the next day.
 
So, at 9 am, the community from St. Martha's and All Saints parishes gathered for the Mass, presided by Fr. Andrew, and concelebrated by Fr. Tim Boyle and Fr. William Monis.

Fr. Andrew preached on Jesus, sign of contradiction ("For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, saysthe Lord," Isaiah 55:8), and on our call to be centered in Christ—finding in Him our balance, our peace.

Since we live in this society that challenges our faith, we need to be reminded we are citizens of heaven: "Christians are found in all the cities of the world, but cannot be identified with the world. As the visible body contains the invisible soul, so Christians are seen living in the world, but their religious life remains unseen" (Letter to Diognetus); we need to be reminded of the divine life given to us in Baptism; we need to find support in our Christian communities, and we need the guidance of our Pastors.

In a world that often isolates and divides, this celebration was a Renewal reminder that we belong to one another, to the family of Christ. The Church is not just a place we attend, but a community where we are known, loved, and called to walk together in faith. Our gathering that day was a living witness of this belonging.
 
We acknowledge we are truly blessed to have such humble and gifted ministers of God's grace serving our Lethbridge Deanery. Having the opportunity to show them our appreciation was also a moment that built up our community.

A special thank-you to Fr. Andrew, whose wisdom has always been a great gift to St. Martha's, and heartfelt wishes for good health. We are also grateful to Fr. William Monis, who eagerly served the parish for seven years, and to Fr. Tim Boyle, whose Art of Accompaniment Series reached and changed many hearts.
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May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, fill our shepherds with His Spirit, that they may find strength and peace in Him and be renewed in His love to live God's promise: "From the womb of the morning, like dew, your youth will come to you." (Psalm 110).

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Written by Cristiana Crestani, St. Martha's Parish, Lethbridge