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.
The Prophet Amos is one of my favorite prophets. He preaches social justice to everyone, especially the good people, who should know better. In his day the good people were seen as those blessed by God with wealth. He calls them out for cheating and trampling on the needy and the poor. “The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Never will I forget a thing they have done!”
Jesus preaches the same message in today’s Gospel: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” He points out: “If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth?” We need to be honest in our dealings with one another, if we want to be honest with God.
In our second reading St. Paul tells Timothy that we all need to pray. “It is my wish, then, that in every place the men/women should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.” Prayer is one of the necessities of life for all of us.
I just received word that Bill Dillon has passed on. Please keep this quite loving man, who did so much for St. Augustine’s for so many years, in your prayers. May he rest in peace! Let us keep his family in our prayers as well.
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!