Every year we plan our Parish Picnic as close to the Feast of St. Augustine as possible. That is today 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 Thursday, we had a funeral service for Joseph Edward Brodie, the father of Paula Johnson. Please keep them in your prayers. Please keep Annie Tardy, whose brother was also buried on Thursday in your prayers as well. May they rest in peace.
Two weeks ago, 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, Isaiah tells us that God will bring people from all lands to the New Jerusalem. “Some of these I will take as priests and Levites, says the Lord.” This statement says both Jew and Gentile will be equal in the eyes of the Lord, since priests and Levites for the Jewish people were priests and Levites by birth in the Jewish nation.
Jesus continues this theme in today’s Gospel when he says, “And people will come from the east and the west and from north and south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.” However, he warns that all may not make it into the kingdom because of their actions.
The Letter to the Hebrews tells us that we can only get in through God’s discipline. “Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons and daughters.”
On Tuesday we celebrate Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine. She prayed for 30 years for the conversion of her son, Augustine. She is the patroness of mothers.
On Wednesday, the Church celebrates Saint Augustine. We all know his story. He was born in Tagaste, north Africa. After a dissolute life, he received baptism at the age of 33 from Saint Ambrose and later became bishop of Hippo Regius. He is called the “Doctor of Grace.” He is most noted for his “Confessions” and “The City of God.” Over 500 of his homilies are still extant.
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!