Even though the cold of winter has arrived a little early, The 90th Anniversary Dinner/Dance last night was a great success. Thanks to all who attended and thanks to the 90th Anniversary Committee for putting it together. Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for the use of the hall and thanks to LaDonna and her band. The good times rolled!
The Annual Bishop’s Appeal has started. Our goal this year has gone up a little to $13,406.64. We may have trouble making it this year because some of our bigger donors have moved out of town to be closer to their families. Illness and death have also taken a toll on the parish this year. So, please pray over your sacrificial gift to the Bishop’s Appeal this week and especially during Mass today. As usual you can give on line, make sure you mention St. Augustine’s to give the parish credit. You can also drop your pledge card in the collection or give it to Father Len.
October is respect life month. We should respect all life from the womb until natural death. October is also the Month of the Rosary. It would be good to pray the rosary everyday as a sign of our respect for all life.
Today’s first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, tells us the Suffering Servant will save his people through his suffering. “Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.” As Christians we believe this refers to Jesus and we know we can unite our sufferings to his for the good of the world.
In our second reading the Letter to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our great high priest. Because Jesus became one of us he can “sympathize with our weakness.” “So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tries once again to explain what service means to the Christian. James and John ask him for special honors. Jesus explains Christian Service: “Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
On Monday, the Church honors Saint John Paul II, Pope.
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.
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.