The summer has had its heat, the garden tomatoes are abundant, the school bells have rung, the multitude of celebrations for September 8th (our 70th Jubilee 5K Run/Walk, Mother Mary’s birthday, my sister and brother-in-law/Debbie & Bob celebrate their 40th Anniversary while Joshua & Hannah became Mr. & Mrs. Masters) so, that means it’s time for our annual Parish Picnic! That’s right...come to any part of it or all of it, just come! We will have the chance to rejoice in the gift of our parish family in the midst of 70 years of joys and struggles. Besides the food and fellowship, we will offer the chance for Confessions and Eucharistic Adoration. We will also be announcing some wonderful hopes and dreams to strengthen our parish life. I’m looking forward to being with you this Sunday (on the feast of St. Kieran, Sept 9th from Noon to 4p).
Even though it may seem odd, most parishes run things on a school year calendar. In other words, this week marks our startup for PSR and R.C.I.A. When parents drop their children off on Monday at 7p for PSR, why not offer a holy hour in our Church for their joy and growth in faith? If you haven’t already considered it, why not invite someone to participate in learning what it means to become a Roman Catholic through our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. in the Upper Room (begins this Tuesday, Sept 11).
At all the Masses next weekend Fr. Bearer and I will preach on the book our parish is offering for our Fall Book Study, Lift Up Your Heart. It is a book written by Fr. John Burns based on ten spiritual meditations from St. Francis de Sales. This book comes at the perfect time for where we are. It goes right to the heart of helping you kick the habit of floating along on your spiritual journey to start actively pursuing holiness and devotion to God. It promises to help you examine/reorder your priorities and relationships, as well as discern between good and evil in your life. Consider signing up with a group or working through it on your own (registration is available at the tables in the main narthex or through our parish office).
Last week I invited the priests/sisters (and their parents) who grew up at our parish and were supported by your prayers for a 70th Anniversary dinner. What a delight it was. Many thanks to Chris Robbins and the 70th Jubilee Committee (Jeff Koncz, Terri Bachtel, Jacqui Clark, Daryl Quentin, David Beitko) who honored the gift of vocations from our parish.
Verso l’alto, Fr. Bline
