Fr. Pfeiffer's Weekly Message - Culture of Encounter - St. Paul Parish

June 17, 2023

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

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Happy Father’s Day!
This weekend we praise God for our fathers and ask Him to bless them. In our age in this culture fatherhood is under attack (as is the whole family) in a particular way. For it is the good example of fathers that first give us a glimpse of how we should relate to God as our Heavenly Father. Sadly, there are plenty of bad examples, yet there are many good examples that show us God’s strength, leadership, and love. So, we strive to raise up young men to be good fathers willing to pray, sacrifice, and love their families.

Eucharistic Renewal - Parish Phase
The Church in the United States is moving from the Diocesan to the Parish Phase of the Eucharistic Renewal. Officially it started last week on Corpus Christi. The last few weeks I’ve included for your reflection, brief Eucharistic quotes in this column. This weekend after each of the four Masses I and Dcn John will host mystagogy sessions offering a way for people to share their thoughts about the importance of the Eucharist and how we as a parish can foster the true renewal the bishops are encouraging. I know this weekend is Father’s Day, but please take some time to remain after Masses in the PAC for no more than 30 minutes to give us your input. For those who cannot attend those times, there will be another opportunity on Monday June 19 at 6pm in the PAC.

I invite you again to continue praying with these questions:

How has the Lord shown me His True Presence?

Do I truly believe that the Holy Eucharist is the transubstantiated Presence of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ?

What specific acts of devotion do I show for the Holy Eucharist?

In what ways am I brought into deeper communion with our Lord and His Church?

How does the Holy Eucharist influence my everyday life?

The following questions especially are our focus for the mystagogy sessions:
How does the Holy Eucharist form our St. Paul Parish community?

Does it lead us to greater corporal and spiritual works of mercy?

What concrete acts can this parish do to foster a truly Eucharistic spirituality?

$5,0000 Jackpot!
We will be cooperating again this year with Visitation of Mary Parish for a fundraiser which helps both parishes. Tickets are $100 and will be sold in the Narthex and at the rectory. We could use your help If you are interested in helping to sell after Masses or want to reach out to other family and friends, please call the rectory.

St. Paul Feast 2.0 - Mass, Potluck, and our Novena!
Again we will pray the St. Paul Novena after Masses leading up to June 29 (The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul). It starts on Wednesday, June 21. So please take a novena pamphlet with you this weekend and pray it everyday as we lead up to our “mini-feast” on which we will have Mass at 5:30 followed by a Potluck. The novena is also printed in this week’s bulletin!

St. Paul, Pray for us!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr