An important invitation. And thoughts upon the death of two faithful servants.
WELCOMING WELCOME MINISTERS
ON THURSDAY
The first of the many ministers who make our Lord’s Day worship possible are the Welcome Ministers who greet people arriving for Mass and help to gather the collection. More parishioners are needed to join in this essential ministry. Orientation for new and returning Welcome Ministers will be at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15 in church. Please consider this need and your participation. IF YOU CAN'T BE PRESENT but are willing to participate in this ministry, please respond to this email and orientation will be arranged.
REGISTER NOW: We invite children and teens in Kindergarten through 10th grade to participate in our Wednesday night Forming Young Disciples program. This is intended for all young disciples not enrolled in Newman Catholic Schools. Click on the image to learn more and to register.
THE SUNDAY READINGS: Read, discuss and pray over next Sunday’s readings in a weekly gathering at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning this week in the Gathering Space. It’s a great way to anticipate hearing the readings proclaimed at Mass and to gain a deeper awareness into the meaning and power of God’s word. All are welcome!
COMMUNITY MEALS will resume Sept. 15. These are meals served at St. Matthew Church to people of the community who need and appreciate a nutritious meal and camaraderie. St. Anne parishioners will serve Community Meals in alternating months. People are needed to help at the meals and to prepare desserts. If you can help make this happen or to learn more, send an email to candbgiebel@ gmail.com or dparlier77@gmail.com.
FINDING GOD IN A FLOWER CROWN: Here is the latest column by Eric Clayton, a young husband and father who writes about finding God in all things. Eric Clayton is also the author of the recently published book Cannonball Moments.
SUMMER NEWS YOU MGHT HAVE MISSED: Fr. Jim McDermott, SJ, identifies 15 Catholic news stories we may not have noticed in the rush of summer.
FR. JOHN W. O'MALLEY, a renowned Jesuit historian of the 20th-century church and a longtime professor, died at the age of 95. Among his many contributions was his writing about the Second Vatican Council, most dramatically in his book, What Happened at Vatican II. In a 2003 article, Fr. O'Malley wrote about "the style" of Vatican II. He said the Council provided a clear "blueprint" for contemporary issues confronting the Church. "I also think that Vatican II intended to make some fundamental changes in the way the church operates and that those changes, should they be put into practice, would do much to address our current situation and give us confidence for the future," he wrote in that 2003 commentary. "Perhaps the main reason they have not been put into practice is that the radical nature of the council has never been accepted or understood. Vatican II, for all its continuity with previous councils, was unique in many ways but nowhere more than in its call for an across-the-board change in church procedures or, better, in church style."
The REALLY GOOD NEWS is that we have pledges totaling nearly 90 percent of our INSPIRED BY THE SPIRIT goal.
The NOT-SO-GOOD NEWS is that those pledges are from just 16 percent of our parishioners.
But, then, the HOPEFUL NEWS is that you might be among the parishioners who have yet to make a pledge, and that this might be the week to turn hope into reality. As you consider your pledge, here’s an important reminder from John Knoll, one of our parish campaign co-chairs: In considering my family’s pledge, it was important to recognize that the commitment is spread over five years, but not a one-time contribution. For those who haven’t pledged yet, please consider a contribution of $45 a month over these next five years.
Pledge forms were mailed recently to parishioners who have not pledged. Brochures and pledge forms also are available at church entrances. THANK YOU!
FALL BOOK CLUB: In anticipation of a multi-year focus on the Eucharist by the U.S. Bishops, parishioners are invited to join a fall discussion of “Eucharist,” a book by Bishop Robert Barron. What is the Eucharist, what are its many dimensions, what does it mean to be a eucharistic people? These are among the questions Bishop Barron addresses and the group will discuss in every-other-week gatherings at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays on Zoom beginning Sept. 20. If you’re interested, send an email to Fr. Tom and purchase the book from a local bookseller or online.
VISIT THE ELDERLY - TOGETHER & OFTEN: Pope Francis recently spoke of the need to visit and honor older members of the community. Here is a link to the complete text from America magazine. In his remarks, Pope Francis says “visiting the elderly must be done by many, together and often. Fr. Tom is anticipating visits to homebound parishioners, and those in care centers, in the late summer or early fall, which raises the question - Might there be parishioners willing to join him — visiting together? If so, please send an email indicating your interest.
SHARING WITH THE PARISH
Parish worship and ministries depend upon the generosity of ALL parishioners. And, it couldn't be easier to make a contribution. Scheduling an ongoing contribution or making a one-time donation - is just a click away. Thanks to all who share generously with the parish.
LORD'S DAY LIVESTREAM: Worship in-person in our newly renovated church would be ideal, but if circumstances prevent you from gathering with the community, a livestream of Mass is offered at 8:30 Sunday morning. A link is at left, as well as at the parish web site and at St. Anne Parish on Facebook. The link can be watched anytime after 8:30. Here is a link to this week's worship aid and a link to Sunday's readings.
