When Bishop Nelson Perez visited Prince of Peace Parish in Norton on Feb. 24, he took time to meet with members of the parish confirmation class whom he will confirm on May 5. The bishop also viewed their confirmation projects, chatted with the students and posed for photos.
He celebrated Mass at 10:30 a.m., and then headed to the parish social hall where he met with the students.
Father Bob Jackson, Prince of Peace pastor, said the bishop teased the confirmation class at the beginning of his homily by asking them about the Church’s 13 sacraments.
Bishop Perez told the confirmation class that they will come in one way and leave another. “You will receive an indelible character mark that cannot be removed,” he explained.
One parishioner said she connected with the bishop’s statement that “the closest we come in our earthly relationships to the love Jesus wants us to have is the love of a parent for a child, loving and giving without expecting or asking anything in return.”
Bishop Perez also told the parishioners that a church is its people and the work that they do. “Don’t make this about me (the priest),” he said.
He noted that the day’s Gospel should make people feel uncomfortable. “If it doesn’t, go home and reread it and read it again until it makes you squirm in your seat. Compare the love that you think you have for others with this selfless love that Jesus calls us to have and figure out where you need to grow,” he added.
The parish also hosted its annual winter social/ministry fair that day, showcasing and celebrating the various ministries and the unique ways parishioners are called to serve. Bishop Perez had an opportunity to meet with members of the pastoral council, Women’s Renewal group, Knights of Columbus and more, as well as greeting parishioners.