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Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

R. (2b) My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. R.

Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, For your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. R.

Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. R.

You are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me. R.

This week's readings >>

Faith Formation- Religious Education

Readings for the Week of August 31, 2008

Sunday: Jer 20:7-9/Rom 12:1-2/Mt 16:21-27

Monday: 1 Cor 2:1-5/Lk 4:16-30

Tuesday: 1 Cor 2:10b-16/Lk 4:31-37

Wednesday: 1 Cor 3:1-9/Lk 4:38-44

Thursday: 1 Cor 3:18-23/Lk 5:1-11

Friday: 1 Cor 4:1-5/Lk 5:33-39

Saturday: 1 Cor 4:6b-15/Lk 6:1-5

Next Sunday: Ez 33:7-9/Rom 13:8-10/Mt 18:15- 20

News

Parish Festival = Stewardship

Our upcoming parish festival next weekend is a prime example of stewardship at work. Next week the time, talent and treasure of this parish will be shared with the wider community.

This is a great opportunity to recognize that stewardship isn’t about money. When we practice stewardship, we use the gifts given to each of us for the betterment and common good of all, allowing our spirit to grow, to change.

If you are signed up to bring a salad to the festival then you are practicing stewardship. If you plan to wash dishes, then you are a Christian steward. What about those cooking the meal or setting the tables? Yes, that’s stewardship as well.

Christian stewardship takes on a spirituality that transcends the mundane tasks of setting up tables or cleaning the building. It allows us to see our sacrifices and participation as sacred. Christian stewardship rejoices in sharing homemade pies or authentic kolaches. Stewardship is not a thing. It is the very relationship we have with God. A Christian steward serves God by serving others.

The important thing to remember it that it isn’t the amount of time, talent or treasure that one gives that matters. What is important is that we are part of the giving. The action of giving changes us. It is a spiritual response to the gifts that we have received from God. When we participate in something like the festival we acknowledge that God has blessed us and we respond to that blessing.

If you can’t help at the festival then come to the dinner. If you can’t attend the dinner then contribute in some other way. Buy the tickets and give them to someone else. That’s stewardship.

The parish festival is a celebration of our Catholic identity. It allows the wider community to experience first hand the generous spirit of this faith community. Chocolate pie, bingo, the food, the games are all part of the fun. Those tangible things make our sacrifices a visible sign to others that we care. In the midst of all the work, God provides us some great fun and a renewed spirit.

I look forward to celebrating with you!

Sincerely,

Sue Schettler

Pastoral Administrator

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