Archbishop Leads Parish Benediction In Winder

Published: September 11, 2003

WINDER—Pastor Father Jaime Barona and the parishioners of St. Matthew’s Church welcomed Archbishop John F. Donoghue for the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament on first Friday, Sept. 5.  

Assisting Father Barona and the archbishop were Deacons Tim Kirksey and Ray Egan. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Assembly in Lilburn formed the honor guard. In a short homily, the archbishop stressed the importance of coming together for devotion to and worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Using Christ’s words (Mt 11, 28-30), he reminded the congregation that they can and should leave the outside world behind to come before the Lord’s real presence because “your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” After the Benediction, there was a reception, hosted by St. Matthew’s Women’s Club, in the parish social hall where everyone shared food and fellowship with the archbishop. On display in the hall were the architect’s renderings of the new St. Matthew’s Church that is scheduled to be built within the next four years.