The Annual Bishop’s Appeal starts today. 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.
 
Now that school has started in the entire area, please drive safely and watch out for the children. There is a clever sign on Diamond which reads: Drive like your kids lived here! That is good advice all the time.
 
Our first reading today from the Book of Wisdom, describes how the wicked treat the just one. Since the just one opposes the teachings of the wicked, they plan to harm him and ultimately “condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him.” As Christians we see this as a reference to Jesus and his Church.
 
In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches his followers for a second time: “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” His disciples did not understand this and were looking forward to being Number One during Jesus’ reign as Messiah. Jesus says to them and to us: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
 
In our second reading, St. James talks about problems in the early church and some of these problems still exist today. “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.”
 
On the 27ththe Church honors St. Vincent de Paul. We honor him through our St. Vincent de Paul Society.
 
On the 29th, the Church honors the Archangels Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. These biblical messengers signify God’s transcendence and loving care. Michael is patron of security forces and of the sick. Gabriel is patron of telecommunications and the postal service. Raphael is patron of travelers and the blind. Look them up in the Bible and you will know why.
 
There will be a Rosary for Abuse Victims at St. Joseph High School Football Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018 from 4 – 5 PM. All are invited. For more info contact RosaryCoastToCoast.com or call Fr. Glen Kohrman at 574-282-2317.
 
I ask you to be careful in the parking lot. We have developed a small sink hole in one of the parking spaces. I have put a cinder block over it to prevent people from stepping into and have called a couple of asphalt companies to fix it. One has agreed but it will take 3 – 4 weeks for them to fit us into their schedule. Please be careful.  

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.
 

Peace, Father Len Collins, CSC