Mission Intention for September
That those who are forced to leave home and country because of war or oppressive regimes may be supported by Christians in the defense and protection of their rights.
LABOR DAY BLESSING
God our creator, we are the work of your hands.
Guide us in our work,that we may do it, not for self alone,but for the common good.Make us alert to injustice,ready to stand in solidarity,that there may be dignity for allin labor and in labor’s reward.Grant this through Christ our Lord. Joseph, patron of laborers,Pray for us.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:
“You art Christ, my Holy Father, my tender God, my great King, my good Shepherd, my one
Master, my best Helper, my most Beautiful and my Beloved, my living Bread.” (St. Augustine) The Summer reflection series finishes with “The
) Eucharistic Adoration is held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6 am to 9 pm at St. John’s Church Adoration Chapel, downstairs. For more information, please call 561-5083 or email Sjohnsadoration@aol.com
CATHOLIC GUIDE TO THE INTERNET:
If you “Google” the word “Catholic” you’ll come up with about 126 million hits. It would take you more than a lifetime to look at all these sites. Our Sunday Visitor has compiled a list of the top 105 Catholic sites on the Web. A copy is available at the entrance to the church.
ON THE GO WITH ME AND THE POD’RE:
On the Go with Me & the Pod're is a podcast produced by the Office of Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Ogdensburg. Each month co-hosts Gib Patenaude and Fr. Chris Looby discuss with special guests matters of faith and spirituality that are important to young adults. Listeners can download and listen to the show by visiting www.dioogdensburg.org and lick on "On the Go with Me & the Pod're"
HEALING MINISTRY:
St. Peter’s Parish, under the direction of Eve McGill, Maggie Hutchins and Fr. John, is forming the “Living Waters Healing Ministry.” Soon a monthly Healing Mass will be celebrated. At the present time the parish is seeking members to form a prayer team. If interested in finding out more about the prayer team ministry please contact the rectory at 563-1692.
SETON CATHOLIC CENTRAL SCHOOL SCORE WELL ON STANDARDIZED TESTS:
Seton Catholic Central students achieve high scores in 2008 ELA (English) and math in grades 7 & 8. In ELA in 2008, 96% of grade 7 students scored at level 3 or 4 compared to the state average of 70% while grade 8 students achieved 89% at levels 3 or 4 compared to the state’s average of 56%. In math in 2008, 96% of grade 7 students scored at level 3 or 4 compared to the state average of 79% while grade 8 students achieved 82% compared to the state average of 69%. The full report, along with a comparison with individual schools, is available at the school's website: www.setoncatholic.net by clicking on the “Daily Bulletin.
CRAFT SHOW:
St. Ann’s Church, Mooers Forks, will have a craft show on Saturday, October 18th at St. Joseph Center. 73 Maple Street, Mooers, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Crafters interested in renting a space should call Marge Pombrio at 236-4577.
BISHOPS FUND APPEAL:
The Bishop’s Fund Appeal provides us the opportunity to share our blessings with others as we continually serve those who most need our help throughout the Diocese of Ogdensburg. Each year, we increasingly depend upon the generosity of our many parishioners throughout the Diocese to achieve our goal. We have great hope that we will be successful once again in 2008. This year marks the fiftieth year of the Bishop’s Fund Appeal. In this year’s Appeal, let us work together “From Generation to Generation” to continue the journey and carry out Christ’s Work in our community.
BAPTISM:
Jocelyn Christine and Jenna Marie Benware, daughters of Donald and Christine (LeDuc) Benware became members of the Catholic community through the Sacrament of Baptism on August 24th.
22ND Sunday in Ordinary Time:
God labors for us so that we might work fo for him. Gently, the Lord encourages us to take up the cross of our baptismal invitation and follow Jesus. This encouragement takes many forms tailored to each of our weaknesses and strengths. By pushing us, encouraging us and helping us, the Lord points us toward the goal of salvation. Jesus seeks us out;he pulls us toward him by many paths. Be quiet and feel his tug!.
THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL:
Our duty as Christians is to be transformed by the life-giving word that has been given to us by Christ Jesus. By our Baptism, we are living temples of the Holy Spirit, holy and beloved. We are to offer our mind and body as a living sacrifice to become an acceptable gift to the Father. In this way, we like, Christ Jesus, become transformed from glory to glory. As we draw closer to celebrate the St. Paul Event, we prepare ourselves to become part of it as a Diocesan family. On the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross, Sunday, September 14, there will be a Solemn Vespers Celebration at 4 pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ogdensburg. We welcome back, former Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, who will be the homilist. A plenary indulgence can be received for those attending the Event and any other event connected with the Year of St. Paul. Each one of us can learn more about St. Paul through the reading of the letters of St. Paul in Sacred Scripture. Perhaps you can proclaim like St. Paul did when he said, “It is no longer I that lives, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) or…”But may I never boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14) St. Paul, Apostle of the Gentiles, pray for us.
MARRIAGE TIP:
Marital arguments are often not so much about you or me, rather it's all those things that creep into our lives that we begin to blame each other for. Watch what you say after phrases like "You always..." or "You never...". Find more Marriage Rx at: www.foryourmarriage.org
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION:
Registration forms for St. James Parish Religious Education Program are available at the entrance to the Church. Parents are requested to pick up a form for each child in Grades 1-5. Complete the form and place it in the box designated for this purpose at the entrance to the Church. Include with the form a book fee of $20. Parents of these children must be registered members of St. James Parish. The Religious Education classes begin on Thursday, October 9th. (Parents of children in Grades 6-8 will meet in St. James Parish Center on Sunday, October 19th at 2:00 pm. The second year of Confirmation preparation classes for students enrolled in this class last year will begin on Sunday evening, October 5th.)
PARENTS:
“Parents ae the first evangelizers of children, a precious gift from the Creator, and begin by teaching them to say their first prayers. In this way a moral universe is built up, rooted in the will of God, where the child grows in the human and Christian values that gift life its full meaning.” (Pope Benedict XVI)
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Bulletin for the Week of August 17, 2008
Mission Intention for August
That the human family may learn to respect God’s plan for the world and become ever more aware that Creation is God’s great gift.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:
“Upon her entrance into heaven, our dear Mother humbly presented herself before God himself. She adored him and thanked him for all the graces bestowed upon her in life” (St. Alphonsus Liguori) Eucharistic Adoration is held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6 am to 9 pm at St. John’s Church Adoration Chapel, downstairs. For more information, please call 561-5083 or email Sjohnsadoration@aol.com
BENEFIT FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS:
There will be a tag sale for the benefit of Seton Academy and Seton Catholic Central School to be held on Tuesday August 26 8 AM to 12 Noon and Wednesday August 27 from 4 to 7 PM at Seton Academy across from St. Peter's Church, 23 St. Charles St, Plattsburgh. Donations can be dropped off Tuesday, August 19 from 4 to 7 PM at Seton Academy: Please price your items before dropping them off. For more information contact Anne Marie Holleran at amholleran@aol.com or Darcy Ziemer at ziemergd@charter.net.
REDFORD PICNIC:
The 153rd Annual Redford Picnic will be held Sunday, August 17, on the grounds of the Church of the Assumption of Mary School. Features include full meals of either roast beef or ham from noon to 6 pm, an auction beginning at noon, live entertainment, games of skill and chance, pull tabs, refreshments, and rides on the famous merry-go-round. Raffles for $5,000, quilts, afghans and fun for everyone.
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time:
In today's Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus is confronted by a woman asking for her daughter to be cleansed of demons. Notice that she does not ask Jesus if he is Lord before making her request, she already knows. Jesus does not answer her right away; when she again pleads for his mercy and refers to him as Lord, he grants her wish because of her persistence and her faith. Enabling this woman's persistence was her hope. Hope for goodness is the promise of God given through Jesus; it is the anchor of our soul, and it allows us to be happy even in the face of adversity. Hope is expressed and nourished in prayer. Perhaps you've been praying for something but feel your prayers haven't been answered? Continue to pray. Be persistent in your faith; never
THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL:
“For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” How grateful are we to God that His promises to us will never reverse? God’s design and plan of salvation is still unfolding. The mystery of God’s plan and love will be revealed in God’s providence and time. We, too, struggle in our faith journey to try and understand the meaning of our faith and our life. Can it be a way that the light of the Holy Spirit leads us to a deeper understanding and acceptance? Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand God’s will more fully that we may recognize our gifts and call and persevere on the journey every day of our lives. St. Paul, Apostle of the Gentiles, pray for us.
MARRIAGE TIP:
Natural or national disasters can bring out the best in humanity as we rally to help those in need. A marriage crisis can also prompt a couple to sacrifice for each other or honestly deal with a recurring problem. Don’t wait for a disaster, however, to test your love. Prevention is better. What have you done for your marriage today? Find more Marriage Rx at: www.foryourmarriage.org
SUMMER SERIES AT ST. ANNE’S SHRINE:
The Summer reflection series continues with “Sacred Signs and Active Participation at Mass” on August 19 and “The Quest for Personal Holiness” on August 27. All programs begin with a Mass at 11:15 am, followed by lunch and a 1 pm presentation. Reservations appreciated at (802) 928-3362.
AUGUST: THE MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY:
Every month, the Catholic Church offers us a particular devotion to concentrate on in our prayers. For August, it is devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Often, the Immaculate Heart is paired with the Sacred Heart of Jesus (the devotion we celebrate in June), and with good reason. The Sacred Heart represents Christ's love for mankind, while the Immaculate Heart of Mary represents the desire of the Blessed Virgin to bring all people to her Son.
There is no better example of the Christian life than that offered by Mary. Through our Prayers for August, which help to deepen our devotion to her Immaculate Heart, we can join the Mother of God in drawing closer to Christ
That the human family may learn to respect God’s plan for the world and become ever more aware that Creation is God’s great gift.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:
“Upon her entrance into heaven, our dear Mother humbly presented herself before God himself. She adored him and thanked him for all the graces bestowed upon her in life” (St. Alphonsus Liguori) Eucharistic Adoration is held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6 am to 9 pm at St. John’s Church Adoration Chapel, downstairs. For more information, please call 561-5083 or email Sjohnsadoration@aol.com
BENEFIT FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS:
There will be a tag sale for the benefit of Seton Academy and Seton Catholic Central School to be held on Tuesday August 26 8 AM to 12 Noon and Wednesday August 27 from 4 to 7 PM at Seton Academy across from St. Peter's Church, 23 St. Charles St, Plattsburgh. Donations can be dropped off Tuesday, August 19 from 4 to 7 PM at Seton Academy: Please price your items before dropping them off. For more information contact Anne Marie Holleran at amholleran@aol.com or Darcy Ziemer at ziemergd@charter.net.
REDFORD PICNIC:
The 153rd Annual Redford Picnic will be held Sunday, August 17, on the grounds of the Church of the Assumption of Mary School. Features include full meals of either roast beef or ham from noon to 6 pm, an auction beginning at noon, live entertainment, games of skill and chance, pull tabs, refreshments, and rides on the famous merry-go-round. Raffles for $5,000, quilts, afghans and fun for everyone.
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time:
In today's Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus is confronted by a woman asking for her daughter to be cleansed of demons. Notice that she does not ask Jesus if he is Lord before making her request, she already knows. Jesus does not answer her right away; when she again pleads for his mercy and refers to him as Lord, he grants her wish because of her persistence and her faith. Enabling this woman's persistence was her hope. Hope for goodness is the promise of God given through Jesus; it is the anchor of our soul, and it allows us to be happy even in the face of adversity. Hope is expressed and nourished in prayer. Perhaps you've been praying for something but feel your prayers haven't been answered? Continue to pray. Be persistent in your faith; never
THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL:
“For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” How grateful are we to God that His promises to us will never reverse? God’s design and plan of salvation is still unfolding. The mystery of God’s plan and love will be revealed in God’s providence and time. We, too, struggle in our faith journey to try and understand the meaning of our faith and our life. Can it be a way that the light of the Holy Spirit leads us to a deeper understanding and acceptance? Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand God’s will more fully that we may recognize our gifts and call and persevere on the journey every day of our lives. St. Paul, Apostle of the Gentiles, pray for us.
MARRIAGE TIP:
Natural or national disasters can bring out the best in humanity as we rally to help those in need. A marriage crisis can also prompt a couple to sacrifice for each other or honestly deal with a recurring problem. Don’t wait for a disaster, however, to test your love. Prevention is better. What have you done for your marriage today? Find more Marriage Rx at: www.foryourmarriage.org
SUMMER SERIES AT ST. ANNE’S SHRINE:
The Summer reflection series continues with “Sacred Signs and Active Participation at Mass” on August 19 and “The Quest for Personal Holiness” on August 27. All programs begin with a Mass at 11:15 am, followed by lunch and a 1 pm presentation. Reservations appreciated at (802) 928-3362.
AUGUST: THE MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY:
Every month, the Catholic Church offers us a particular devotion to concentrate on in our prayers. For August, it is devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Often, the Immaculate Heart is paired with the Sacred Heart of Jesus (the devotion we celebrate in June), and with good reason. The Sacred Heart represents Christ's love for mankind, while the Immaculate Heart of Mary represents the desire of the Blessed Virgin to bring all people to her Son.
There is no better example of the Christian life than that offered by Mary. Through our Prayers for August, which help to deepen our devotion to her Immaculate Heart, we can join the Mother of God in drawing closer to Christ
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Bulletin for the Week of August 10, 2008
Mission Intention for August
That the human family may learn to respect God’s plan for the world and become ever more aware that Creation is God’s great gift.
PRAYING WITH THE BIBLE
Pick a passage and read the text.
Consider the context (culture, history of the time).
Grasp the Author's intent. What was he trying to say or get across to the audience he was writing to?
Think about how this passage speaks to you today. Reading the Bible is really about listening, and a big part of listening is looking to your own experience in search of what God is saying to you (the technical term is discernment).
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:
Eucharistic Adoration is held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6 am to 9 pm at St. John’s Church Adoration Chapel, downstairs. For more information, please call 561-5083 or email Sjohnsadoration@aol.com
REDFORD PICNIC: The 153rd Annual Redford Picnic will be held Sunday, August 17, on the grounds of the Church of the Assumption of Mary School. Features include full meals of either roast beef or ham from noon to 6 pm, an auction beginning at noon, live entertainment, games of skill and chance, pull tabs, refreshments, and rides on the famous merry-go-round. Raffles for $5,000, quilts, afghans and fun for everyone.
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY:
Catholics observe the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary this year on Friday, August 15 -- celebrating Mary's being taken bodily to Heaven after her death. This feast is sometimes referred to as the Dormition (falling asleep) of the Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Assumption celebrates both the departure of Mary from this life by her natural death, and her assumption bodily into heaven. Along with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) the Assumption is a principal feast of the Blessed Virgin and a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States. The belief of the assumption of Mary into heaven after her death is first expressed in narratives of the fifth and sixth centuries. Even though these were never official, they bear witness to the very early belief in this teaching of the Catholic Church. We have no real knowledge of the day, year, and manner of Mary’s death. The dates which have been assigned to her death vary between three and fifteen years after Jesus’ death. There is an important difference, of course, between the ascension of Jesus into Heaven after His Resurrection, and the assumption of Mary. To ascend is to rise up under one's own power; while to be assumed means something that is done to a person.
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time:
We meet the Lord in the strangest places. Elijah spent the night listening to he wind, feeling the earthquake and surrounded with fire, but the Lord was not in any of these. He came in a gentle breeze. We would like great events for meeting our God, but most often we stirs our hearts and minds very gently. If we listen, we encounter the Lord. Like Peter, we walk toward the Lord. The Lord says, “Come!” We respond: “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, and sustain our faith.”
THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL:
Was God’s plan of salvation frustrated by Israel’s rejection of the coming of the Messiah? Paul recounts the many blessings of the Israelites: “theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Messiah.” God’s plan of salvation is for all people, Jews, Christians and non-Christians. As Christians, we cannot boast of our superior advantage over the Jews or non-Christians. God’s choice of His love for His people, especially, the Jews, is forever. Let us pray for Church unity in charity. St. Paul, Apostle of the Gentiles, pray for us.
MARRIAGE TIP:
Having a successful marriage depends not so much on FINDING the right person but BEING the right person. Is there a change I can make in my own behavior that will make our marriage happier?
That the human family may learn to respect God’s plan for the world and become ever more aware that Creation is God’s great gift.
PRAYING WITH THE BIBLE
Pick a passage and read the text.
Consider the context (culture, history of the time).
Grasp the Author's intent. What was he trying to say or get across to the audience he was writing to?
Think about how this passage speaks to you today. Reading the Bible is really about listening, and a big part of listening is looking to your own experience in search of what God is saying to you (the technical term is discernment).
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:
Eucharistic Adoration is held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6 am to 9 pm at St. John’s Church Adoration Chapel, downstairs. For more information, please call 561-5083 or email Sjohnsadoration@aol.com
REDFORD PICNIC: The 153rd Annual Redford Picnic will be held Sunday, August 17, on the grounds of the Church of the Assumption of Mary School. Features include full meals of either roast beef or ham from noon to 6 pm, an auction beginning at noon, live entertainment, games of skill and chance, pull tabs, refreshments, and rides on the famous merry-go-round. Raffles for $5,000, quilts, afghans and fun for everyone.
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY:
Catholics observe the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary this year on Friday, August 15 -- celebrating Mary's being taken bodily to Heaven after her death. This feast is sometimes referred to as the Dormition (falling asleep) of the Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Assumption celebrates both the departure of Mary from this life by her natural death, and her assumption bodily into heaven. Along with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) the Assumption is a principal feast of the Blessed Virgin and a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States. The belief of the assumption of Mary into heaven after her death is first expressed in narratives of the fifth and sixth centuries. Even though these were never official, they bear witness to the very early belief in this teaching of the Catholic Church. We have no real knowledge of the day, year, and manner of Mary’s death. The dates which have been assigned to her death vary between three and fifteen years after Jesus’ death. There is an important difference, of course, between the ascension of Jesus into Heaven after His Resurrection, and the assumption of Mary. To ascend is to rise up under one's own power; while to be assumed means something that is done to a person.
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time:
We meet the Lord in the strangest places. Elijah spent the night listening to he wind, feeling the earthquake and surrounded with fire, but the Lord was not in any of these. He came in a gentle breeze. We would like great events for meeting our God, but most often we stirs our hearts and minds very gently. If we listen, we encounter the Lord. Like Peter, we walk toward the Lord. The Lord says, “Come!” We respond: “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, and sustain our faith.”
THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL:
Was God’s plan of salvation frustrated by Israel’s rejection of the coming of the Messiah? Paul recounts the many blessings of the Israelites: “theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Messiah.” God’s plan of salvation is for all people, Jews, Christians and non-Christians. As Christians, we cannot boast of our superior advantage over the Jews or non-Christians. God’s choice of His love for His people, especially, the Jews, is forever. Let us pray for Church unity in charity. St. Paul, Apostle of the Gentiles, pray for us.
MARRIAGE TIP:
Having a successful marriage depends not so much on FINDING the right person but BEING the right person. Is there a change I can make in my own behavior that will make our marriage happier?
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Bulletin for the Week of August 3, 2008
PRAYING WITH THE BIBLE
Pick a passage and read the text.
Consider the context (culture, history of the time).
Grasp the Author's intent. What was he trying to say or get across to the audience he was writing to?
Think about how this passage speaks to you today. Reading the Bible is really about listening, and a big part of listening is looking to your own experience in search of what God is saying to you (the technical term is discernment).
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:
Eucharistic Adoration is held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6 am to 9 pm at St. John’s Church Adoration Chapel, downstairs. For more information, please call 561-5083 or email Sjohnsadoration@aol.com
REDFORD PICNIC:
The 153rd Annual Redford Picnic will be held Sunday, August 17, on the grounds of the Church of the Assumption of Mary School. Features include full meals of either roast beef or ham from noon to 6 pm, an auction beginning at noon, live entertainment, games of skill and chance, pull tabs, refreshments, and rides on the famous merry-go-round. Raffles for $5,000, quilts, afghans and fun for everyone.
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY:
Catholics observe the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary this year on Friday, August 15 -- celebrating Mary's being taken bodily to Heaven after her death. This feast is sometimes referred to as the Dormition (falling asleep) of the Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Assumption celebrates both the departure of Mary from this life by her natural death, and her assumption bodily into heaven. Along with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) the Assumption is a principal feast of the Blessed Virgin and a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States. The belief of the assumption of Mary into heaven after her death is first expressed in narratives of the fifth and sixth centuries. Even though these were never official, they bear witness to the very early belief in this teaching of the Catholic Church. We have no real knowledge of the day, year, and manner of Mary’s death. The dates which have been assigned to her death vary between three and fifteen years after Jesus’ death. There is an important difference, of course, between the ascension of Jesus into Heaven after His Resurrection, and the assumption of Mary. To ascend is to rise up under one's own power; while to be assumed means something that is done to a person.
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time:
We meet the Lord in the strangest places. Elijah spent the night listening to he wind, feeling the earthquake and surrounded with fire, but the Lord was not in any of these. He came in a gentle breeze. We would like great events for meeting our God, but most often we stirs our hearts and minds very gently. If we listen, we encounter the Lord. Like Peter, we walk toward the Lord. The Lord says, “Come!” We respond: “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, and sustain our faith.”
THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL:
Was God’s plan of salvation frustrated by Israel’s rejection of the coming of the Messiah? Paul recounts the many blessings of the Israelites: “theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Messiah.” God’s plan of salvation is for all people, Jews, Christians and non-Christians. As Christians, we cannot boast of our superior advantage over the Jews or non-Christians. God’s choice of His love for His people, especially, the Jews, is forever. Let us pray for Church unity in charity. St. Paul, Apostle of the Gentiles, pray for us.
MARRIAGE TIP:
Having a successful marriage depends not so much on FINDING the right person but BEING the right person. Is there a change I can make in my own behavior that will make our marriage happier?
Pick a passage and read the text.
Consider the context (culture, history of the time).
Grasp the Author's intent. What was he trying to say or get across to the audience he was writing to?
Think about how this passage speaks to you today. Reading the Bible is really about listening, and a big part of listening is looking to your own experience in search of what God is saying to you (the technical term is discernment).
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:
Eucharistic Adoration is held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6 am to 9 pm at St. John’s Church Adoration Chapel, downstairs. For more information, please call 561-5083 or email Sjohnsadoration@aol.com
REDFORD PICNIC:
The 153rd Annual Redford Picnic will be held Sunday, August 17, on the grounds of the Church of the Assumption of Mary School. Features include full meals of either roast beef or ham from noon to 6 pm, an auction beginning at noon, live entertainment, games of skill and chance, pull tabs, refreshments, and rides on the famous merry-go-round. Raffles for $5,000, quilts, afghans and fun for everyone.
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY:
Catholics observe the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary this year on Friday, August 15 -- celebrating Mary's being taken bodily to Heaven after her death. This feast is sometimes referred to as the Dormition (falling asleep) of the Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Assumption celebrates both the departure of Mary from this life by her natural death, and her assumption bodily into heaven. Along with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) the Assumption is a principal feast of the Blessed Virgin and a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States. The belief of the assumption of Mary into heaven after her death is first expressed in narratives of the fifth and sixth centuries. Even though these were never official, they bear witness to the very early belief in this teaching of the Catholic Church. We have no real knowledge of the day, year, and manner of Mary’s death. The dates which have been assigned to her death vary between three and fifteen years after Jesus’ death. There is an important difference, of course, between the ascension of Jesus into Heaven after His Resurrection, and the assumption of Mary. To ascend is to rise up under one's own power; while to be assumed means something that is done to a person.
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time:
We meet the Lord in the strangest places. Elijah spent the night listening to he wind, feeling the earthquake and surrounded with fire, but the Lord was not in any of these. He came in a gentle breeze. We would like great events for meeting our God, but most often we stirs our hearts and minds very gently. If we listen, we encounter the Lord. Like Peter, we walk toward the Lord. The Lord says, “Come!” We respond: “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, and sustain our faith.”
THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL:
Was God’s plan of salvation frustrated by Israel’s rejection of the coming of the Messiah? Paul recounts the many blessings of the Israelites: “theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Messiah.” God’s plan of salvation is for all people, Jews, Christians and non-Christians. As Christians, we cannot boast of our superior advantage over the Jews or non-Christians. God’s choice of His love for His people, especially, the Jews, is forever. Let us pray for Church unity in charity. St. Paul, Apostle of the Gentiles, pray for us.
MARRIAGE TIP:
Having a successful marriage depends not so much on FINDING the right person but BEING the right person. Is there a change I can make in my own behavior that will make our marriage happier?
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