Dear SJF/OLC Pastorate Friends,
I believe there is a sense of urgency in Jesus’ Gospel message today (Lk 12:49-53). He speaks words that don’t seem to make sense on the surface, such as saying he has come to set the world on fire and he comes to establish division instead of peace. But I thought Jesus was the Prince of Peace, so what gives?
I believe “what gives” is that there is an urgency to the mission the Father gave to Jesus to accomplish,
and as he continues to make his way to Jerusalem, to his passion and death, the urgency of the mission is only becoming more necessary. A few weeks ago, when Jesus sent the 72 out in pairs to proclaim the kingdom (Mt 10:7-15), he told them to not waste time on those who do not accept them. Instead, he said to shake the dust off and move onto the next village. There is no time to waste. Now Jesus sees this lack of acceptance is happening within families. Therefore, we hear these words of division between parents, children, and in-laws. I believe Jesus is trying to strengthen his disciples for the challenges they will be facing. And through this passage, Jesus is encouraging us to remain faithful as well.
Here in our Pastorate, we do not want anyone to feel they do not have the encouragement or support of our parish pastoral staffs. On the contrary, Fr. Jim and I are constantly looking for ways to support you and your families in strengthening your faith and developing a deeper understanding of it. For example, our Walking with Purpose Women’s Bible Study is being offered at both parishes this year so that the women of our pastorate can be strengthened and renewed. Fr. Jim is looking into offering “Into the Breach” which is a men’s study developed by the Knights of Columbus to support the men of our parishes in their roles as husbands and fathers. Tim Janiszewski from OLC has been working with some young adults of our parishes to foster a ministry for college and post-college graduates, people who tend to leave the faith. Fr. Jim will be leading a C.H.E.R.I.S.H. (Catholic Hearts Espoused Rejoice In Sacramental Hope) retreat in September at St. Jane for our married couples. And of course, our religious education and youth ministry programs will be starting up in a few weeks, and are open for you to register your children.
There are many great programs and ways for you to engage your faith, as well as invite your neighbors
who have fallen away to return to the practice of the faith. Start with just returning to Mass, but also, I invite you to sign up or ask us for more information about these or other programs at SJF and OLC. Jesus is urging us on – it is now the time to take action! Commit yourself this year to deepening your relationship with Jesus!
Thank you for keeping us in your daily prayers as we certainly do for each of you!
God Bless,
Father Steve
ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Monday, August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since the Holy Day falls on a Monday, there is no obligation to attend Mass. There will be 8:30am Masses at both OLC and St. Jane Frances on August 15th, and a 7:00pm Mass at St. Jane.
