My friends, Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! (cf. Eph 1:2).

Recently I had the occasion to preside at the 60th anniversary of St. Joachim Mission Church in Piedmont. It was a festive occasion with some of future generations, family, and relatives of the founding families present. The occasion was joyful, thanks to the preparations by so many parishioners and the pastoral leadership of Father Thomas Nattakadan. The tasty lunch afterward enabled the community to enjoy some fellowship, as they do every Sunday to catch up on how other families are doing and share in the joy and mission of the Church itself. Each person was a blessing!

The many small mission churches that dot our northern Alabama countryside are extraordinary places. They represent the fact that Christ has not abandoned us. He is an ongoing presence that reminds us of God’s ineffable love in remote areas.

The means of salvation are offered: the proclamation of God’s Holy Word; the celebration of the Eucharist and other Sacraments. What I found was something exuberant: the joy of being a Catholic Christian.

Whenever we come together, we encounter Christ. After all, He promised us, “Where two or three are gathered, I am there.” (cf. Mt 18:20)

Our smaller parishes, whether urban or rural, are reminders to us that our relationship with Christ is something quite extraordinary. Where else would we hear the Eternal Word of God speaking to us, reminding us that we are treasured in His sight? As we heard proclaimed from the Prophet Jeremiah recently at Mass, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” (cf. Jer 1:5) Yes, you are known. I am known. Someone knows me and is concerned not only about my happiness but about my ultimate destiny. He wants me to experience the life that I cannot even totally grasp today. He lays out a path. “Follow me!” (cf. Lk 9:23 passim) Our parishes, are all pointing to Christ who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (cf. Jn 14:6)

Like St. Joachim Parish, we are blessed by many faithful dedicated parishioners in our many parishes, missions, and chapels. From my own experience, there is nothing greater the Lord wants than to hear our resounding “Yes!” to His invitation to eternal life. So, “Follow me!” echoes throughout our diocese in our churches. Our Lord waits for us to respond to join Him on the journey of a lifetime. May God bless each of you!