WHAT'S IN THE newsletter...

Message from Fr. Joe

Offertory Link

Pray as a Community

- Please pray for our VBS 7/13-7/17

Sacraments:

- Confession / Reconciliation

Events:

Youth Ministry, Middle School Retreat

Faith Formation:

- Women's Study

- Plans for the fall?

Community:

- Hattie Pearls, Spaghetti dinner

- Vatican News

- Pope St. John Paul II Birthday Concert

Then He said to his disciples “The Harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; so, ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Matthew 9: 38)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I write this note to you keeping in my heart and mind the above words from Jesus. Not often do I take time with one line of scripture and simply rest and chew on it for a while. Yet, I propose we think about and pray into the length, breadth, height and depth of such a line from our Redeemer for the next three Tuesdays. Particularly because, as stewards we are also called by His grace to be laborers with the Lord

The Harvest is abundant...

This may seem a bit odd to us, but for those of us who have spent any time on a farm specifically around the time for harvesting crops especially big crops that yield much the sight is overwhelming. I think of those in the wheat and corn fields, or perhaps grapes on the vine or olives in the trees and harvesting getting ready to begin. But particularly the grain harvests, those were common in Jesus’ time and were fitting analogies for people to understand the beauty and power of what many planted seeds that are cared for can become.

To take that analogy to our life in Christ, many of us were given the gift of faith in seed form in our baptism as young children, babies most likely. And overtime we were nurtured not solely with food, but values, virtues and good help of God’s grace in the Sacraments we received, notably the Eucharist, and Confession. We also likely received the sacrament of Confirmation strengthening us in the Holy Spirit for the great and holy things the Lord will call us to, be it Marriage, Holy Orders or Consecrated Life.

Take 5-10 minutes this week and reflect on these questions with Jesus:

When was I given the seedling of Faith in Baptism? Am I grateful for such a small gift?
When was the moment I was harvested by a laborer of the Lord? Perhaps receiving Sacrament of Confirmation, or a conversion experience where you encountered the Lord and followed Him earnestly?

Know of my love for each of you, and my prayer this week for you: that Jesus reminds you of His love, and the great dignity of the holy life you are called to live in love of God and Neighbor.

Peace in Christ,

Fr Joe McLagan

Link to online Giving

Dear St. Bernadette Family,

VBS starts next Monday and we are asking for your prayers for our participants, our leaders, and for those who have donated both time and treasure. Please keep VBS in your prayers over the next two weeks. Thank God for this great opportunity for St. Bernadette Parish and ask him to continue to guide us as we all learn a little more about the victory Jesus gave us.

Thank you for the prayers,

The VBS team

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to you by appointment.

Please call the office.

Women's Faith Groups:

WWP Fearless & Free When: Wednesdays at 6pm via Zoom

Fall learning and faith forming opportunities

Planning for the Fall looks very different for us all. What will going to school look like; will Mass remain 6 ft or greater experience; can I still take a class to learn more about my faith; or if I want to receive a sacrament, how will I prepare?

Please put these and other questions to prayer. In order for Faith Formation (Religious Education) to prepare for the fall, we need to know what you desire and how you feel about pursuing those desires. A survey will be coming out this week looking for feedback.