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