News

Without a doubt each one of us wants to be saved and enjoy eternal life. We try to do as many good things as possible to go to heaven, but realize many times how difficult it is to do good. In the gospel this weekend we find a tool that can help us on our way to eternal life with God in heaven. This tool is simply called, “generosity.”

This weekend we have our annual festival with good food, dances, a raffle, singing and fellowship. I am so glad that there is a time for everything.

We would like thank our Deacon Bill Dronen for his dedication and loving service as a Shepherd of God's flock. Congratulations on your 33rd Anniversary of permanent Diaconate. May God reward you with many blessings. Thank you Deacon.

Jesus gives some radical advice in today’s gospel. He proclaims, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”  This advice is radically different than the dominant values in our culture. It is also difficult to live out, even for Christians.

Jesus poses an important question in today’s gospel. He asks his disciples, “who do you say that I am?” Except for Saint Peter, the disciples do not know how to answer the question. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Saint Peter is able to answer that he is the Christ.

Jesus, of course, comes to save us. As we call to mind our own impediments and deficiencies, let us be open to the power of healing which Jesus wants to give to us. Jesus call us to “be opened!” which means opening our hearts and spiritual ears to the ways in which Jesus is speaking to us.

The point which Jesus is making is that our focus should be on our “insides” which is to say our souls. Externals do not matter. Instead, we are to strive for integrity, honesty, genuine compassion, and a clean heart. Sin undermines these virtues and defiles the body.

When faced with controversy, we can leave the Lord and his Church but then where do we go? This is exactly what Peter struggled with when he said to Jesus, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."

Let us pray, therefore, for open hearts and minds to the teaching of Jesus. May our own love, devotion and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament inspire others to seek this important truth of our faith.

This coming Wednesday, August 15th, we will have the opportunity to celebrate the patroness of our parish---Our Lady of the Assumption.

To this end, Jesus reminds his followers that the bread which Moses gave to them was temporary. It only satisfied them temporarily. In contrast, he desires to feed them with the true Bread from Heaven. Eating this Bread means they will never hunger again. The Jews are excited about this possibility and say to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

There is a challenge for us in this gospel passage. No, we cannot miraculously multiply loaves and fish to feed the hungry, but we can reach out with compassion nonetheless. Each time we are generous with others, we extend the miracle of Jesus. Each time we set aside selfishness and reflect generosity, we extend the mir- acle of Jesus. In that sense, all of us are called to multiply loaves and fishes.

At times like this Jesus says, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”  He is the only one that gives us true rest. He is the one who lightens our burdens. We simply need to go to him and be with him in order to find true rest and peace.

“Take nothing with you for the journey”  is an important command in this Sunday’s gospel. The Lord sends his disciples out two by two to preach the Good News but he tells them to take nothing along with them. They Lord wanted them to be focused on their ministry and not distracted by possessions which would compete for their attention.

The Rummage sale will be Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th of August. If you have any questions please contact either Joni Thomason at 782-3269 or Pam Nicklas at 763-4327.

Jesus’ familiarity presented a roadblock which limited their ability to accept him as someone special and, in fact, the Messiah.

Starting July 2nd, our parish office hours will change. The office will be open Monday through Friday from 8am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm with new lunch hours from 1 pm to 2 pm. This change is to serve those who need lunchtime assistance.

It takes a certain amount of humility to set aside our own plans for healing and turn to the Lord.

This weekend we celebrate one of the saints with one of the highest ranks after the Blessed Virgin Mary. That saint is John the Baptist. He is the one that the gospel talks about that will help people to prepare the way of the Lord. 

This weekend we have the opportunity to observe a wonderful celebration we know as “Father’s Day.” In fact, this year is the 100th anniversary of Father’s Day.