Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It’s Good to Be Back!
I am back from my vacation.  I spent some time in South Carolina visiting my sister’s family, and then relaxed in Tampa, FL with four priest friends.  Each of us is a pastor, and we made sure to offer Mass daily and remember our people at our respective parishes.  It was quite hot, but thankfully we had easy access to a screened in pool area.  Thanks to all the priests who helped cover the Masses and to all our sacristans and servers who helped them get acclimated.  And thanks to everyone who welcomed them to St. Paul Parish. 

Vacation and Recreation
While on vacation there perhaps is a temptation to think, “Wow this is great, I wish I could always be on vacation.” Admittedly this thought even enters my mind during times away.  It usually hits me a few days in.  Of course, this is only a temptation and by the end of the vacation I am always thinking, “All right, that’s enough. I am looking forward to getting back.”  Any vacation should be a true recreation, as in “re-creation.” If one recreates right, he is in a sense re-created, enlivened, strengthened, and enthused not for more vacation, but for the duties and mission God calls us to complete.  While a good retreat is beneficial to avoid burnout here on earth, always remember God gives us a job unique to each of us here on earth.  The true forever vacation will come - God willing we reach the halls of heaven where we will be on vacation and at home at the same time forever.

July as Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus
Last week I wrote about July as the Month dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus. For meditation:
"The Precious Blood which we worship is the Blood which the Savior shed for us on Calvary and reassumed at His glorious Resurrection; it is the Blood which courses through the veins of His risen, glorified, living body at the right hand of God the Father in heaven; it is the Blood made present on our altars by the words of Consecration; it is the Blood which merited sanctifying grace for us and through it washes and beautifies our soul and inaugurates the beginning of eternal life in it."
I encourage everyone to pray the litany of the Precious Blood this month or here is a shorter prayer to include:
Precious Blood,
Ocean of Divine Mercy:
Flow upon us.
Precious Blood,
Most pure Offering:
Procure us every Grace!
Precious Blood,
Hope and Refuge of sinners:
Atone for us!
Precious Blood,
Delight of holy souls:
Draw us! Amen.


Faith Formation / Theology on the Rocks for July 18
Our faith formation is Monday, but in a different format and a different time.  We are hosting the Akron “Theology on the Rocks” in our Parish Activity Center.  Please note the time change. Doors open at 7pm and the talk begins at 7:30.   
The talk is entitled: The Spirituality of Baseball - the Most Liturgical Sport.
There will be alcohol available as well as light appetizers.  A cover charge of $10 will be required.

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr