FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Sixth Sunday of Easter - Mother's Day - May 10, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Sixth Sunday of Easter

May 10, 2026

MOTHER'S DAY

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Happy Mother's Day!  It is quite fitting that the month we honor Mary, Mother of God, is also when we honor mothers and the women in our lives.

Mary has many titles.  Last week, I wrote about praying for her intentions as Mary, the Queen of Peace.  Holy Mother of God, the Blessed Mother, Mother of Perpetual Help, Mother of Sorrows, Mother of Divine Grace are just a handful of the many titles of Mary pertaining to her motherhood.

"Mary's spiritual motherhood springs from her physical motherhood of the Son of God.  By physically bearing Christ through her free, believing acceptance of that mission - Mary also, in faith, gave birth to all Christians who are members of the Mystical Body of Christ.  In other words, she gave birth to the total Christ: head and members."

Mary's spiritual motherhood is grounded in the fact that she is the Mother of God and her motherhood is extended to Christ's disciples and even to all human beings.  In this respect, Mary's cooperation is singular and distinct from the cooperation of all 'other creatures.'  Her intercession does not have the characteristic of priestly mediation (such as Christ's), but is instead situated in the order and analogy of motherhood.  By association Mary's intercession with Christ's work, the gifts given to us by the Lord are presented with a maternal aspect, imbued with the tenderness and closeness of the Mother whom Jesus wanted to share with us (cf. Jn 19:27)." *

Today we honor all mothers, who exemplify the virtues of Mary, those who nuture and support their families and sacrifice for their children.  We honor mothers who grieve the loss of their children and navigate the challenges of infertility.  We also honor our spiritual mothers, religious sisters, godmothers, teachers and all the women who have impacted our lives - who inspire us to walk with Christ and follow his teachings.

Also please see the information below my jot regarding our groundbreaking ceremony with Bishop Knestout on May 24th.  We will have a reception afterwards and ask for volunteers to help.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

* Excerpts from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: Mater Populi Fidelis - Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles Regarding Mary's Cooperation in the Work of Salvation.

 ~ Image Source

 ~ Mother's Day Image