Last week we were asked to consider, “What does it take to be in the flock of Jesus the Good Shepherd?” Today the follow up of Jesus takes us back to Jesus trying to teach his followers about what will be necessary to be a TRUE disciple or follower. Today Jesus says, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” It sounds easy. I do believe; however, the loving that Jesus asks of us is most difficult.

Loving means listening. Loving means being patient. Loving means being understanding and supportive even when we might not always agree with what the other is thinking. Loving means being able to say, “I am sorry. Please forgive me,” when it is necessary even when it is hard to do. Loving is something our God does to us even when we turn away from God and get stuck in our sinful behaviors.

Last week I announced the new Mass schedule for the San Felipe de Neri community that will start in May. I was (and continue to be) very impressed as the way most everyone is embracing this new change for our community. I will be reprinting this schedule for the next weeks to make sure everyone will get the word before it becomes reality for us.

In the spirit of the love of God, I continue to ask for your prayers as the people who feel this change is going to be too hard. Please understand that this is being done only for the good of the community and has the support of the vast majority of the population.

As of May 21, 2016, two weeks BEFORE FIESTAS 2016 we will move to this weekend schedule: On Saturday evening, the Sunday Mass of anticipation at San Felipe will be at 4:00 pm. Later that evening, at 6:00 pm we will celebrate another Sunday Mass of anticipation at San Jose Mission in Duranes. This can be a very good thing for the people who like to go to an early Sunday Mass at San Felipe, then be free to go to dinner or have other Saturday evening events. The San Jose Mass is a return, I am being told, to a former reality where the community there used to have a Saturday evening Mass years ago.

On Sunday, the Mass schedule will begin as it does right now. The first Mass of Sunday morning will be at 7:00 am; the second Mass of Sunday -- that will remain completely in Spanish -- will be at 9:00 am; the third Mass of Sunday will be at 11:00 am. All of these Masses will be celebrated at San Felipe. This will give us plenty of time between the Masses to clear parking, have some time to do donuts and coffee on the first Sundays of the month and not be so very rushed between the Masses. This will also accommodate all the people who desire and enjoy praying the rosary before the Mass AND the music ministers who rehearse before Mass and review with the congregation the new music that is being introduced to the community.

Let us pray that this change will be something that is truly good for our community. Please join in the praying that all will positively respond to this as we grow as one united community of faith and love.

May God bless us all today and always!