Every year we plan our Parish Picnic as close to the Feast of St. Augustine as possible. That is next Sunday at the Berta Pavilion in St. Patrick’s Park from 12:30 – 6 PM. His actual Feast Day is August 28. Please see the note on the picnic above and please try to come celebrate this great saint with the rest of the parish. As usual the parish will pay the admittance fee. Just tell the gate keeper you are with St. Augustin’s. Be sure to bring some food to share!
On Tuesday morning, we lost a long-time parishioner, when Joanne Broden passed. May she rest in peace and condolences to the whole family.
Last Sunday, there was a flood in the men’s bathroom, which went through the wall into my office, which I am still trying to dry out. If you use the bathrooms and see a problem, please let someone know. Toilets break from time to time. No one will blame you but you can prevent a problem like we had, by speaking up. I really want to thank all those who pitched in to help clean up.
In our first reading today, we see that things sometimes get very difficult for God’s true prophets. For preaching God’s word, which isn’t what the princes wanted to hear, Jeremiah is almost killed. It is not easy to be a prophet.
In our second reading from Hebrews, we hear there is always a struggle with sin. But we are told to keep our eyes on the prize, who is Jesus, and things will work out for the better.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us there will be struggles in families about belief in him. When we believe in Christ, we will live the way he wants us to, regardless of what others, some very close to us, may say and do. We must be on fire with our love for Jesus.
On Friday, the Church celebrates St. Rose of Lima, who is the first declared saint of the Americas. She was a contemporary of St. Martin de Porres.
On Saturday we celebrate another of the Apostles, St. Bartholomew. He spread the Church to India and Armenia before he was martyred.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.
Good News
It was announced in the Vatican that Pope Francis accepted - the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Augustine Tolton, Diocesan Priest; born in Brush Creek (United States of America) on April 1, 1854 and died in Chicago (United States of America) on July 9, 1897. This means that Father Tolton now can be called Venerable. The next step is Beatification. For this a miracle approved by the Vatican is needed. So, keep those prayers coming!