Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Similitudes and Parables In the Gospel Jesus often teaches in parables (or “similitudes” depending on the translation). These parables are particular stories Jesus tells in order to make a point. Some are short while some are quite drawn out. Scholarly Definition: "At its simplest a parable is a metaphor or simile, drawn from nature or common life, arresting the hearer by its vividness or strangeness, and leaving the mind in sufficient doubt about its precise application, to tease it into active thought."(C. H. Dodd, The Parables of the Kingdom, New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1961, p. 5). https://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Parables.htm

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Blessings of Being Pastor Often it is the case that we basically become our parents. In particular, I have reflected recently on how I am becoming more and more my father. When we were kids, he would offer his “friendly reminders” - which were instructions on closing the doors, turning off the lights, and not messing with the thermostat. Of course, we never saw the big deal because we weren’t paying the bills. I am seeing more and more how important those little reminders were because now I notice the same things.

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.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Canceled Masses This is just a reminder that since I am still out of town this weekend, the 9:30am Mass is canceled on July 10. I encourage parishioners who attend that Mass to join one of the other St. Paul’s Masses. Please continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and to pray for our bishop as he makes his decision on implementing new guidelines concerning the EF Mass.

Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Canceled Masses Since I will be out of town this weekend and next, we have to unfortunately cancel a few Extraordinary Form Masses. This weekend July 3, and next weekend, July 10, the 9:30 EF Masses will be canceled. I encourage parishioners who attend that Mass to join one of the other St. Paul’s Masses. Also, the 5:30 EF Mass on Fri. July 8 will be canceled, but the church will be open for prayer from 5:30-7pm. I invite folks to come and pray for vocations to the priesthood and to pray for our bishop as he makes his decision on implementing new guidelines concerning the EF Mass.