15th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Congratulations 1st Communicants! Welcome Bishop Shlessinger!
Eleanor Peters
Matthew Cothren
Jacob Taylor
Streamed Mass this weekend 11 AM.
Isaiah 55:10-11 Romans 8:18-23. Matthew 13: 1-23, 134:1-9
The word of God is fruitful, powerful, and meant to bring us into full union with God in heaven .
In today’s readings both the first reading and the Gospel reading show the potency of the word of God. In fertile hearts the Word can multiply exponentially, and it can bring about God’s will in our lives. The Word of God is brought to us so that we may be brought to God. Can there be a greater gift?
In the first reading today Isaiah describes the Word of God as fruitful, not returning to the Lord until his will is accomplished. Paul addressees human suffering in his letter to the Romans, looking beyond it to the promise of heaven. Focus on the grand prize inspire of our suffering. In Matthew’s Gospel reading this today, Jesus tells the parable of the sower, and explain its meaning.
May the Word of God fall on our fertile hearts - let’s listen carefully for guidance - God’s will for us.
1st Communion
We join in prayer with great joy in the celebration of 1st Communion, as Eleanor, Jacob, and Matthew join our full community at the table of our Lord. Let’s share their joy as we nurture each of them with our love and prayers welcoming them in our shared, blessed meal. We thank you Lord for the gift of Eleanor, Jacob, and Matthew.
Community Petitions
Heavenly Father we offer to you the following petitions for our loved ones and our community:
- For the health and safe arrival of our new pastor Fr. Mario Lopez in early September.
- Msr. Jaime Barona - may he enrich us with his holiness and experiences in faith in joy here at SFA.
- Deacon Paul’s mother who is acclimating to a new living senior environment.
- Rita and Larry Casey - continued prayer and healing.
- John Kirksey - Prayers of Thanksgiving for successful heart procedure!
- Carolyn Pierce - (Pat Williams sister-in-law) Complete healing of the Covid-19 virus.
- Beth - Complete healing of breast cancer.
- Adam Chedister - prayers for courage, comfort, and peace.
- Ana Rosa’s family in Mexico - healing of Covid-19.
- Jerry & Madeline Rousseau - healing, strength, and peace. Enjoy friends and family in RI.
- Michael Rousseau - prayers for successful back surgery.
- James E. - prayers for continued healing following back/neck surgeries.
- Frank - Alzheimers, and for his wife Anne, strength as caregiver.
- Joan - healing of breast cancer.
- Mary - for peace and joy in her nursing home placement. And all nurses and first line defenders and patients.
- Marilyn and Ray Crock, sfo - prayers for continued healing.
- Ann Cole, sfo - cure of shingles.
- All SFO petitions offered this week.
- Marriage Banns: Ada Thomas and Parker Bradshaw, August 1; Sarah Zaremba and Jeff Crosbie, October 10.
- All our first responders across our country - prayers for encouragement, endurance, continued good health, and our deep gratitude. All our law enforcement professionals and the communities they serve to work effectively together toward shared goals.
- For an end of the Covid-19 virus, a speedy vaccine and cure; complete recovery for all those infected and affected.
- For all those grieving loved ones whom they did not get to say goodbye to. For closure and peace.
- For Jason Burrell’s acceptance into Permanent Deaconate Formation.
- For all our visiting priests who have guided us through this period without a priest, may God continue to bless them abundantly.
Dear Lord, Thank you for hearing our petitions please grant them in a way that is best for us, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Parish Update
Bishop Shlessinger approved out 2020-2021 Budget.
Msr. Jaime has agreed to add a Spanish Mass Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM. Eucharistic Adoration and prayer.
We are not ready to resume Communion to the sick / homebound at this time.
Completion of campus projects continue. Garage storage plan should be finished this week.
St. Clare’s Garden maintenance postponed until spring.
Help us to accumulate $ by using smile amazon fundraiser. Details in the bulletin.
Colleen is assembling a group to plan, coordinate and execute this year’s fundraising events. Please consider joining or leading this group as we endeavor to replace our festival earnings.
Please prayerfully consider becoming a member of our next Pastoral advisory Council. The Pastoral Council is a critical asset to a pastor. A pastoral council is usually assembled between 4 - 6 months after a new pastor arrives. It is this group that assists the pastor in prioritizing and implementing our suggestions and future parish plans.
Thank you for your consideration.
You are up to date.
+God bless,
DJP