“Arise and Eat, Else the Journey Will Be Too Great for You.” (I Kings 19:7)

MAY PEACE BE GOD’S GIFT TO ALL OF US TODAY

 

We have started the school year with many activities that tire some, but energize most of us:  update meetings with the Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Altar Servers, Usher-Greeters; the very successful first day of school (151 students!) and school open house for families; the parish Leadership meeting with Sister Fran Donnelly from the Archdiocesan Ministry Office, who gave Parish and Finance Council members, committee chairs and members and parish staff definite affirmation about what we are doing as a faith community, as well as some ideas on how to do it even better; and the Interlachen Garage Sale food/ beverage booth which ran out of brats, tacos (twice!) and cookies.  What a wonderful, energizing beginning of another season of quality worship, service and education.  Thanks to all who have been part of such efforts.  We all do better by the effort of so many.

Speaking of altar servers, some of you wonder why two servers carry candles as we begin and end Mass, and why they move them around the altar to different places.  Candles in church are always signs of the presence of Jesus, “the light of the world”.  The processional candles are signs that Jesus is with us in the holy prayer of Mass, and goes with us as we leave church and take up the commission to bring the presence of Jesus to our communities.  The candles also stand by the lectern/pulpit for the Liturgy of the Word.  This is to draw attention to that part of the Mass when God speaks to us in the holy words of Scripture and through Jesus in the Gospel; even the homily is to help us understand the meaning of the Word in our time and culture.  The candles then honor the gifts brought to the altar, as they accompany the gifts of the congregation to the altar at the offertory:  bread, wine, and the money gifts that enable our parish to do the pastoral and educational mission of the parish.  The candles then are placed at the side of the altar; this is to draw attention now to the altar, the place where the gifts of the congregation are consecrated, made sacred, by the action of Jesus; these gifts (the Body and the Blood of Jesus) are then returned to the congregation – Holy Communion; and then a new and intimate union with God and neighbor, through Jesus, strengthens each of us to go forth and live the life of Jesus with more awareness and commitment.  Candles and servers are central to our worship at Mass; we are thankful to those who carry them with such dignity as our servers do.

This weekend at all the Masses, we bless those who share the mission of the parish by being ministers of the altar and of the church, and teachers of faith to our youth.  We continue through the year to ask God’s special blessings on each of these men and women who serve us and who extend the presence of Jesus to our daily lives.  They are essential to the commission we all have to “do as I have done”, “teach all nations in my name”.  We thank these ministers and teachers for their dedication and commitment.

Next weekend we have the honor of hosting Father Robert Obol at the Masses, and in our school.  Father Robert is from a diocese in Uganda, Africa which boarders on Sudan.  Consequently, his people are subject to the raids, kidnappings and other injustices by the rebelling tribes in Sudan.  To know of the plight as well as the faith of our brothers and sisters there is to share their trials.  We welcome his visit and his message.

                                                                                                                                                            —Father Ralph

 

Prayer Corner

LeRoy Boklep                         Dennis Faulkner        Rita LaBore                  Agnes Ongeri

Florence Bretson                     Katharine Gamble      Joseph Mannelly           Gen Sheats

Elise Christianson                    Fr. Ralph Goman            Sr. Agnes Martinka         Sandy Sperrazza

Mary Cipolla                           Debbie Griggs           Ray Martineau              Mary Jane Tinkham

Mark Clifford                                    Elizabeth Hanley       Jerry Mashek                Irene Turmes

Nancy Dussol                          Mary Hazlett             John McGowan            Barb & Bob Velner

Bishop Joseph Charron            Rose Hennen             Marge Motzko                  Jim Walker

Joshua Engel                             Rose Holland             Jen Murphy                         

The Engel & Stork Families     Donna Johanns          Deacon Jim Murphy      

Marian & Bud Ess                   Dorene Johnson         Nelson Family          

Bible Study for Adults

Adults—Please call Margaret Stimmler, Faith Formation Director, if you are interested in Bible Study. Groups will be forming from the phone calls received. If you do not reach me in person with the time you could meet. Please leave a message at 952-935-5536 ext. 4 or email mstimmler@stjohnhopkins.org .