Mother Elvira used to say, "If you want coffee, pray for it."

Mother Elvira used to tell the men in her drug addiction communities, "If you want coffee, pray for it."

I used to volunteer time on a weekly basis serving the sacramental needs of the community in Florida and came to know and befriend many of the addicts seeking help to find a life with God after they had destroyed their hope and faith seeking a life with drugs, alcohol and pornography.

You see, any money given to the Communita' Cenacolo was to be used for building materials and other supplies dedicated to their housing, chapels and other construction needs only. All the food they consumed had to be donated through the kind generosity of benefactors.

I am seeking the return of all absent family members to worship with us at Sunday Masses. In doing so I am going to take Mother Elvira's advice and pray for it if I truly desire it and invite our parishioners to do the same.

Beginning soon the entire parish will be invited to pray with me during the brief period of silence after the homily at weekend Masses that all absent family members of Catholic or any faith will weekly join their families in unity to worship God. Please intercede for the effectiveness of our prayers. Thank you for reading my note. God bless,