Every summer Catholic Parishes throughout the United States welcome missionaries through the Propagation of the Faith office to speak to us of their ministry and seek our support. Next weekend July 20-21 we will be receiving a visit from AIM USA; the United States Secretariat of the Alliance for International Monasticism. Carl Baniszewski will be here to talk to us about their work and seek our support. In this week’s bulletin you will find a flyer that describes their work and a prayer for their ministry. There will be a second collection to benefit their ministry.
I have given the altar servers permission to serve Mass without robes during these summer months so that they can stay as cool as possible. As you may notice I do not wear a chasuble during these warm months since there is little air conditioning in the sanctuary. I encourage people to be comfortable when they come to church. I also thank all the ministers and servers who step forward to serve when we are short handed due to vacation schedules.
This week we begin a new seven-week homily series entitled “Everyday Heroes.” Take the time to read the Mass selections before you come each week and come to recognize the heroic people around you and how you in many ways exemplify the qualities as found in the scriptures. This week we are looking at the story of the Good Samaritan. We all have an opportunity to be “neighbor” to so many strangers and people who are hurting. It takes courage to open our eyes and recognize the ways Christ is present in those around us. Let’s take up the challenge to be among the “Everyday Heroes” and make a difference in the world by practicing the lessons from the Word of God. Imagine people recognizing we are Christian by the way we live our lives!