July 17, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
In Sunday’s
Gospel Reading from Mark, we learn that even Jesus Christ and his apostles need to step away from their ministry to the people, from time to time. After the apostles tell their teacher stories about preaching and healing people throughout the region, Jesus invites them to rest in a deserted place. Only the people continue approaching them, preventing them from getting anything to eat. When Jesus and the 12 depart in a boat for another quiet place, the people get there first on foot.
Mothers and fathers of young children and worker bees of all ages, does this sound familiar? When the pace of our home and work lives runs on overdrive, we, too find ourselves with little time to eat and fewer hours to sleep. We get run down. And the energy we need to be mindful parents, productive employees and pastoral clergy members gets sapped.
Jesus Christ wielded his God-given power to take pity on the people and continued to teach them. But we – human with every fiber of our being – simply need rest and renewal. That rest does not necessarily have to come from a lengthy vacation. It can be delivered in a weekend retreat, where you unplug from your devices, or daily prayer by yourself or communally. During the virtual parish Rosary, I have heard several members share how much they look forward to praying at 4 pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday because it gives them inner peace during a stressful day and something to look forward to amid the chaos of life.
Don’t let life slowly wear you down. Get rest and seek renewal through time alone and quiet prayer. And like our mothers told all of us, do not forget to eat a good meal!
Have a blessed and wonderful week! Please pray this week for our Vacation Bible Camp campers and volunteers as they begin a fun week Monday of faith and fun.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John
Here are the parish events for Saturday, July 17; Sunday, July 18; Monday, July 19; and Tuesday, July 20:
Saturday, July 17:
- Confession from 3:30-4:30 pm in the St. Clare Chapel of the Rectory. Heard by Fr. William Brailsford.
- Mass at 5 pm in church. Celebrated by Fr. Ted Heganuer. Mass Readings.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Donna Ruffin.
Sunday, July 18:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Jack Price.
- Mass at 8 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. Tom Weinandy. Mass Readings.
- Mass at 9:30 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. Ted Hegnauer. Mass Readings.
- Mass at 11:15 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. Francis Russo. Mass Readings.
- Mass at 5 pm in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon. Mass Readings.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Donna Ruffin.
Monday, July 19:
Tuesday, July 20:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
- Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Rosary in Spanish at 6:30 pm. Led by Deacon Will Garcia.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
Parish Resources: