Today is the Solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows, who is the Patroness of the Congregations of Holy Cross. Please keep all the Holy Cross Family in your prayers today in a special way, priests, brothers, sisters and laity!
The Parochial Council met last Sunday. We are in the process of reorganization of the Council. 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.
In our first reading from Exodus, God is ready to wipe out the people Moses has led into the desert because they keep disobeying God and making gods for themselves. Moses pleads for the people and God is forgiving.
In our second reading today, St. Paul points out how badly he had treated the followers of Jesus. He confesses what a great sinner he was, but that God forgave him as an example to other sinners. God is merciful.
Our Gospel today has several examples of God’s mercy. God looks for the lost sheep and rejoices upon finding it. The woman finds the lost coin and rejoices in finding it. The prodigal son returns and the father rejoices at his return. The father also rejoices with the elder son. The theme is forgiveness. God seeks out the sinner and rejoices at his/her conversion.
The Church celebrates the Korean martyrs on Friday.
The Church celebrates Saint Matthew, Apostol and Evangelist on Saturday.
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!