I have a friend who was born in another country, but came here to the United States to work as a priest. He’s a kind man, who didn’t always appropriate the English language well or quickly. Every now and then, when he’d use a wrong word in a sentence, we would gently correct him. One of those moments came at a dinner party, and when leaving, he said to the host, with a smile on his face: “Thank you for your hostility!” After a quick moment of surprise, someone whispered, “He meant hospitality!” 

Later on, reflecting on that rather funny episode, I realized that those two words are very closely related, not just in pronunciation, but in how the lack of hospitality can lead to some form of hostility. Why do I mention this now? It’s because I truly believe that Christian hospitality and stewardship aren’t possible without one another. The word stewardship refers to the Catholic approach to the gifts that God has bestowed upon us. Certainly that has always meant taking stock of the blessings I have, and tithing support to my church. But in an even broader way, it is living out a commitment to be Christ-centered rather than self-centered. That mean seeking out and responding to the needs always of others. Profound gratitude, justice and love become the fundamental motives for giving back to God. Everything that God has given to us is intended to serve the divine plan. Therefore, our life is to be lived in gratitude toward God.  In a variety of ways, we as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, share our time, talent and treasure to build up the Church and make our world a better place. 

So as the obligation to Mass is re-imposed, others will be coming to our churches even more now. And our various ministries will begin again and need your help! Yes, you who are reading this article! The Church needs you, and God has chosen you, to go out into all the world. Every Christian is to take an active part in the life of the Church and to share the gifts of salvation. That means helping people be connected to Christ and the salvation He brings to all, whether it be at Mass on Sunday, in your neighborhood, or even in the workplace. The more a person feels “connected” to our own parishes, the more they will respond to all that God asks of him or her. 

Stewardship is an expression of discipleship, with the power to change how we understand and live out our lives. Disciples who practice stewardship recognize God as the origin of life, the giver of freedom, the source of all they have and are and will be.  They are deeply aware of the truth that “The Lord's are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it.”  They know themselves to be both recipients and caretakers of God's many gifts.  They are grateful for what they have received and eager to share their gifts out of love for God and one another. 

Beginning July 1 since the obligation to attend Mass will once again be in force, we will begin limited livestreaming of Cathedral Masses.  All Sunday 10:30 AM Masses will continue to be livestreamed for all those who are truly homebound or ill.  We will also livestream weddings and funerals as requested.  Finally, all major occasions of the Diocese will be regularly livestreamed.  (Please note, now that the obligation has been re-imposed to attend Mass, one who is healthy and capable of getting to Mass must attend in person.  Livestreaming will not fulfill the Sunday obligation for anyone other than the truly homebound or  ill.)

East Duluth Catholic Faith Formation, a collaborative effort of the parishes in East Duluth, is accepting applications for the Director of Relational and Youth Ministry for 6th – 12th grade students. This is a part-time position with flexible hours. We are looking for someone who possesses a sincere and demonstrated ability to share their Catholic faith in the dynamic environment of a larger-scale middle and high school religious education program. The director is responsible for opportunities whereby faith can be sparked and nourished through retreat experiences and other opportunities for building relationships with our young people. Please see the full job description here. If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter, resume and references to lauren.mccracken@duluthcatholic.org.  

Today's Gospel describes the end of a day of teaching in Jesus' ministry. At the end of the day He leads His disciples away from the crowds and into the boats that they will use to cross the Sea of Galilee and where you hear the story of Jesus calming the storm.

In the Gospel today Jesus questions whether the disciples have faith. Faith is a gift from God that allows us to believe in and trust him. Faith is also our response to God and is expressed by the way we live our lives. We demonstrate faith when we trust God in all circumstances.

Children experience worry and concern about many things. As they grow their worries become different and more worldly. As parents and families, we listen to these worries and concerns and put them into perspective. When we do this, we teach them to trust in God's love and protection and to have faith.

Worries and concerns are part of human life. Jesus teaches us, however, that we should try not to let worries and concerns consume us. Jesus teaches us that our faith should help to lead us to trust in God's protection and love, no matter how strong the storm of life around us is.

Like the disciples, we too can bring our worries and concerns to Jesus in prayer. If we feel that Jesus is sleeping, have faith and courage to wake Him and present him with your needs.

When we bring our worries to Jesus in prayer, Jesus can help us see things from God's perspective. Ask Jesus to help strengthen your faith as you pray about a situation in which you need to “have faith.” Gather together as a family and ask that Jesus will help you have faith in God's love and protection to help weather the storms of life.

The Diocese of Duluth’s Office of Marriage, Family, and Life has now opened registration for our First Annual Catholic Family Camp at Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center in McGregor, MN, on August 13-15. Family fun includes campfires, swimming, waterslide, volleyball, hiking, pontoon rides, laser tag, Mass, Adoration, and family prayer time. There is lodge space, RV, and tenting sites. Food is included and no dishes. For more information, go to  Marriage, Family and Life | Diocese of Duluth . A limited amount of financial support is available by a generous benefactor. Preference for allocation will be given to participants with larger families. So “Go for the Fun, Stay for the Faith!” Questions can be directed to betsy.kneepkens@duluthcatholic.org.

Msgr. O'Shea Council Receives State Awards:  The Knights of Columbus Knightly News reported this month that the Msgr. O'Shea Council, which serves the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Mary Star of the Sea, received the State Directors Award for conducting Faith, Family, Community and Life programs during the year.  The council also received 3rd Place for conducting a Food for Families fundraiser that helped raise $7,000 for the Union Gospel Mission. The announcements for these State awards were made at the State Convention held in May in St. Cloud.

KofC.org/JoinUs Call Bob Spehar: 218-349-5051

Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet has an immediate job opening for a  Parish and School Maintenance and Custodian Supervisor. This person will oversee the maintenance, cleaning, and equipment operation of the Queen of Peace buildings and grounds complex. Approx. 30 - 37 hours per week. A full job description can be found on the Queen of Peace website: qopparish.com. Contact the Parish Office at Queen of Peace Church at 218-879-6793 or qopoffice@gmail.com.

Weather permitting, we will gather outside at 6:00 PM on Wednesdays for Sunday readings and to pray the Rosary.  If you have questions, contact Deacon Dick at 218-391-6730.  

For the months of June and July, St. Vincent de Paul Immaculate Conception Conference meetings will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at St. Mary Star of the Sea at 6 PM.  Email svdpduluthmn@gmail.com with questions or for more details.  You are invited to join us in this ministry of experiencing God in serving our neighbors living in poverty.