As we continue in our journey of this new year, I wanted to take a moment to answer a question that I’ve heard about how I mention the names of the Saints in the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass. As you’ve likely noticed, when I celebrate Mass I always mention the names of both parish patrons, St. Vincent de Paul & St. Patrick in the Eucharistic Prayer. I do this, as I mentioned in a homily once, because no matter where I happen to be celebrating Mass on a particular day, I hold both parishes & all of you in my heart & my prayers. When I’m at St. Patrick, I don’t forget about you at St. Vincent de Paul & when I’m at St. Vincent de Paul, I don’t forget about you at St. Patrick either.

  While you’ve likely noticed the mention of both Saints in the Eucharistic Prayer, you may have also noticed the order in which I mention them. When I began to mention both Saints at Mass, I decided that I would always mention the name of the Patron Saint of the parish where I happen to be at that particular day second. So, when I’m at St. Patrick, I pray for “St. Vincent de Paul & St. Patrick.” Please know that there is no subliminal, no hidden, message behind which Saint is mentioned first & which is mentioned second. There is no first place or second place, no one parish over the other, it is simply a matter of mentioning the Patron Saint of the parish that I happen to be at last, but neither parish or any of you who make them up are first or last in my mind & heart. Both parishes & all of you hold an equal place in my heart & in my thoughts & prayers. Please know that truth. I am blessed to be here with you, I am blessed to be called to be your Pastor. I love each & every one of you!