Dear Parishioners,

Today we celebrate the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings this weekend invite us to surrender whatever holds us back from living as signs and witnesses to the love of Jesus Christ. In Word and in Sacrament, Jesus comes to us and invites us to the banquet of faith. But if we accept the invitation, we must pay attention to how we live, not as foolish persons but as wise people who make the most of this opportunity to be the bread of life in the world. We have been given the means, the ticket, if you will, to live forever. Do we accept the invitation?

Next weekend we will observe the Feast of Saint Monica, which is, of course, on Monday, August 27th. We will do the prayers of Saint Monica, but since next weekend, the twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, will end our discussion of John, Chapter 6, and Jesus’s teaching on the Eucha- rist, we will keep the readings of the weekend. Next weekend we will hear that faith is a gift, but it is also a choice. How do we know if faith is something that we choose? Perhaps it helps to ask these questions of ourselves. Do we make God the center of our lives, or are we distracted by the material things that have become “other gods”? Do we live in such a way that our daily decisions and choices bear witness to our relationship with the Lord? Do we live in mutual faithfulness and service to spouses and family? Do we accept and follow the wisdom of the Spirit who Jesus promised would serve as our guide on this earth? In other words, does faith permeate all that we do? Key questions that Jesus proposes and Saint Monica and her son, Saint Augustine, wrestled with … and we wrestle with them too!

Back to School! Perhaps this should have been in last week’s bulletin, because it is addressed primarily to college and university students. BUT, since most parents are in touch with their children regularly, I’m sure that you can get this information to them.

This came from the Serra Club in Saint Louis, and it quite apropos for our children:

College students, parents, and grandparents of college students connect with your Newman Center and campus ministry before you leave for college. The Newman Centers are NOT notified by colleges that Catholic students are on campus so many college students never locate their Catholic ministry or church at all. Your assistance is greatly needed to help our young people stay close to their faith and grow in their relationship with Our Lord. It is through their connection with their college Catholic community that they will be able to make good Catholic friends, continue their formation and grow as they discern what direction God has for their lives. Please enter the student’s information in the Newman Connection, http://newmanconnection.com/ so the student is notified of Newman Center’s activities. 

Not all Catholic Campus Ministry Centers are called “Newman Clubs” or “Newman Centers” any more … but most (if not all) are connected in some manner with the “Newman Connection.” Please let your children / grandchildren know about this. Thank you.

Maintenance: After Jerry Polt’s retirement was announced we started a search throughout the Archdiocese of someone to come in and be our new supervisor of maintenance. As it turns out only two “somewhat” qualified people applied through the Archdiocesan Website. We approached three companies that provide similar services for many parishes and institutions in the Archdiocese. We have signed a contract with Hudson Facilities Company, with Jim Hudson as the president. He has been very “hands on” and has been here almost every day since we signed the contract. We will have a supervisor and three maintenance people, one of whom will also handle the Rectory and most of the upkeep in the Church and the Parish Hall. I have been impressed with the manner whereby they have conducted themselves this first week in trying to get things ready for school. Just to let you know, Archie and Freddie, two long time employees have moved on. Archie has retired. Freddie is looking for another position and will be interviewed by Hudson and I gave him another couple of possibilities too. It is Archdiocesan policy that if a person is “let go” because of downsizing or contracting a service to an outside vendor, that there would be a termination package. Freddie has received such a package.

If you want to know the names of all the people working here, I’ll be happy to provide them for you. However, that really isn’t necessary (I don’t think!) at this time.

Labor Day: Labor Day Holiday is September 3. Please remember that on Labor Day there will be one Mass at 9:00 A.M. I know that is a couple of weeks away, but just to let you know for planning purposes.

Even with school having started it is still summer. Enjoy these last few weeks of summer! Faithfully yours,

Fr Joe Weber