Maureen, Nina, and I were thrilled by the great attendance at our information sessions and Masses last Sunday. I welcome back Cycle A children this week to our program and to a continuation of our teaching Mass. I am also happy to welcome our 10th graders back to the program and look forward as always to visiting our classes and having them attend the 6 pm Mass. I am very grateful to Lenny, Dan, our youth musicians, and singers who share the love of music with us each Sunday evening. We appreciate their time and energy.
As you are aware, we will host our Antioch Retreat starting Friday, September 30th through Sunday afternoon, October 2nd. I strongly encourage 10th graders and above to sign up asap for this wonderful retreat experience. I encourage their parents and grandparents to give them a little nudge so that they can be open to the Holy Spirit’s influence among their peers. This weekend, members of our TLC Ministry will speak at the end of each Mass. Please let us know if you are aware of any parishioners who would benefit from an outreach visit by members of our team. Also, if you are interested in becoming involved in this ministry, please contact Marie Peppas at [email protected] or Jeanne Hahn at [email protected].
Looking ahead to October 1st and in particular, October 4th, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we call to mind this gentle saint, who centuries ago, encouraged all of humankind to take good care of planet Earth, humankind, and the animal kingdom. Please join us at 9:30 am outside the church where Fr. Hubert will be available to bless all of our animals.
On Saturday, September 12th, through the good work of Pam and Stan Moyer, we re-started our Couples Mass. It was great after the long COVID pause to be able to be together. We began with Mass, which I celebrated on the patio of my home. I spoke about the importance of sacraments and in particular, the sacrament of Marriage. After Mass, we had a wonderful time together. We enjoyed a delicious dinner, and I was happy to see some new couples and some older couples interacting and having fun together. Our next Mass will be in November. I encourage any couples who are interested in coming to these sessions, to please contact Pam or Stan Moyer. For all the couples who are married sacramentally, do remember to seek the grace of God the Lord has bestowed on you. This sacrament gives you the graces for your whole life long to love each other and yes, even sometimes, tolerate each other and to be the strong Catholic parents that you have promised to be and try to be to your children. Fr. Owen