The Parochial Council is in the process of reorganization. We are looking for new members. The Council usually meets the second Sunday of the month at 12:15 PM in the foyer to discuss the happenings in the parish and to suggest new ideas. The Council advises me in all matters dealing with the parish. If you are interested in participating in the Council or have questions about it, please see me or one of the Council members, who are listed on the front of this Bulletin or just come to the next meeting.
In today’s readings we have two different stories about lepers. In our first reading we have the great pagan general Naaman being cured of leprosy at the hand of the Prophet Elisha by washing in the Jordan. Naaman is so overwhelmed by his cure that he takes two mule loads of earth from Israel back to his country so that he can worship God. In those days, the pagans thought gods were bound by the land they were in.
In today’s Gospel we have the story of Jesus and the ten lepers. He sends them off to see the priests, so they can be declared clean. All ten are cured but only the foreigner returns to thank Jesus. Do we thank Jesus often enough for all the good gifts he gives us?
Our second reading is once again from St. Paul’s second Letter to Timothy. Paul tells Timothy that he continues to preach Jesus, even in prison and tells us “But the word of God is not chained”, even though Paul himself is. “If we have died with him we hall also live with him.” Preach Jesus by your lives and sometimes even use words.
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 Venerable Father Tolton Prayer: Father in Heaven, the Venerable 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.