Dear Friends,

This weekend at all our Masses, I will introduce our new theme for the year to the parish. When we finished our last theme, LORD TEACH US TO PRAY, I was so pleased with the response and how many prayer experiences grew for people. We saw the richness of the wide range of prayer experiences in our Catholic faith. Our new theme will be MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PEACE, and will be based on Pope Leo calling this year the year of St. Francis of Assisi. This is in remembrance of the 800th anniversary of his death, and there is much to break open and learn about his spirituality. I will set up the basic theme items we will be exploring this year, as well as having the prayer of St. Francis prayed at every Mass, at different places in our liturgy. We will be handing out the prayer for people to take with them and pray it often. Throughout the year, we will talk about what that beautiful prayer is calling us to do as we encounter the world. Our parish leadership really thought about what our world needs from us today, and St. Francis and his peace prayer is exactly what our world needs now.

HELPING JUSTA CENTER MINISTRY TO THE HOMELESS VETERANS- A few weeks ago, I saw on the news that Justa Center, an organization we have supported in the past, had some serious vandalism on its property and the shelter for those in need. We have been so blessed with the giving of parishioners that we have been able to help organizations, parishes, nonprofits, and schools with financial support. Thanks to you, we have sent JUSTA CENTER $10,000 to help with their situation. We do not give from our surplus; we always give, even if we are struggling. It is in giving that we are blessed in return many times over, for a parish and for us personally. My gratitude to those who give financially, which allows us to help Justa Center and other groups. They were so grateful and pleased, and they thank St. Patrick Catholic Community.

PRIESTS WILL BE RETURNING IN THE NEAR FUTURE- Fr. Stephan Bauer, a Crosier priest, is on sabbatical and will return in time for the Advent season. Fr. Stephan presides at Saturday 4:30 pm Mass and Sundays at 10:30 am on alternate weekends. 

Our priest, Fr. Sebastian, who handles hospital and sick calls, is away on vacation and will be returning September 19. He covers the two Honor Health Hospitals within our boundaries, and all the health facilities and homes for sacraments. We are blessed to have these really good priests serving our community.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NOTRE DAME PREP- Last Friday was a great game between the Saints and your Sunnyslope Vikings. It went back and forth the entire game and the Saints blocked our field goal attempt to win 30-29. The rivalry is back with two seasons of close games. In the past it was not much of a rivalry because they would beat the Vikings pretty bad. These are the kind of games you live for. Thanks to our parishioners who were at the game.

LAST SUNDAY’S HOMILY- In Romans Chapter 13, St. Paul reminds a divided community that love does no wrong to a neighbor. This is the basis for the Christian life. As we celebrated Labor Day last Monday we find our Catholic faith has much to say about human work, human labor. The dignity of the human person is central in work. To have just wages, to organize, to know the human person is more important than what is produced is at the heart of work for us. I referenced two encyclicals from two Popes that speak of human labor, and the links below will help you access them. Also click below to listen to the homily.