Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, 

His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Feast of the Assumption - Holy Day of Obligation

We will follow our regular Holy Day schedule which echoes our weekend schedule:

Wednesday August 14 Vigil Mass at 6pm in English

Thursday August 15 Mass at 8:30am in English 

Thursday August 15 Mass at 6pm in Latin (but w/ English readings and orations)

Note there is no 7am Mass on Thursday

God Bless, Connor!

Connor Trout, the seminarian who has lived with me in the rectory this summer has gone back to the seminary to continue his formation.   You saw Connor serving at many of our weekend Masses along with most Tuesday and Thursday morning Masses. He has been a joy to have at the rectory even if his education in cinema is sorely lacking.  This summer I began to remedy this deficiency. Continue to keep Connor and all the seminarians in your prayers.

O, Canada!

The time has come for my annual trip to Canada with my priest friends.  Priests love their parishes, but time away is important to reconnect with the Lord and relax a bit. The beautiful surroundings, the peace and quiet, and priestly fellowship help me recharge the spiritual batteries. There will be a few different priests covering Masses here over next two weekends. Please know that while away I offer Mass every day and particularly pray for our parishioners. I do have access to internet up there, but only intermittently. Any emails, etc. I will most likely not respond until I return Aug 30.  

Looking for a New Devotion?

The past few weeks I have offered ideas on fostering different devotions.  This week is a devotion so simple and so straightforward, perhaps we miss it or take it for granted.  Do you pray specifically to your patron saints?  What saints are you named for? Baptismal saint, confirmation saint? Are you married? Who are the married saints from whom you ask intercession?   What about your profession? There are patron saints for everything under the sun!  Every week we profess in the Creed that we believe in the communion of saints.  They are not inactive, but interested in you, and God wants us to ask Him for graces through the saints.  God is not stingy with grace; He desires to include every member of the Church in the working of grace in His kingdom, thus He chooses to grant those graces through His saints.  But we must do our part - turn to the saints and ask for their help.  Learn more about and befriend some new saints this week. May we not only believe in, but actually live as part of the communion of saints.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Pfr