ALL SET FOR SUNDAY

The readings can be found here.

Our readings this weekend make me really uncomfortable because they call me out for my ambition, pride and lack of charity.  You know that person in the office that we all talk about?  Jesus through the Book of Wisdom is calling you and me out about our behavior.  Why are there divisions in our world, in our Church, in our homes?  Jesus, through the Apostle James, is calling us out because we foster the division because we are seeking our own interests before those of others.  What were talking about over coffee or as we were waiting in line?  Jesus is calling us out because our conversations and posts miss entirely what He is trying to tell us.

Jesus makes me uncomfortable because He reminds me of who I am created to be—and shows me the way to His Father.

NEWS FROM THE PEWS

Last weekend was amazing at Saint Pius—or so I was told!  I was with a good friend from seminary who is celebrating 60 years of life.

We celebrated over 80 new families who registered in our community since our last Newcomers’ Breakfast.  We are so blessed to welcome folks into our parish home.  Special thanks to our Newcomers’ Committee and the Knights of Columbus who helped put on an amazing breakfast.

We celebrated our Altar and Rosary JOY Society.  They shared what’s happening in our community and how they continue to help make Saint Pius our home.  They put on a wonderful Hospitality Sunday after the 7 and 11 AM Masses.  Thank you Altar and Rosary JOY Society!

We celebrated our new Sacramental Preparation Program for those who will receive First Reconciliation and First Communion this year.  Last Sunday over 100 folks, young and old came, for a potluck, a scavenger hunt and formed small groups to begin this year of preparation to receive Jesus in His Mercy and in His Body and Blood.

We shared nearly 500 books—Beautiful Eucharist—and we ran out!  It was great (well, not so great if you were looking forward to getting one) because there is a hunger at Saint Pius for us to grow closer to Jesus in the Eucharist.  We will order more—but also, once you’ve finished, please share.

We celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism last weekend as well—it’s always such a joy to see the gift of eternal life shared with babies and to see the Saint Pius family welcome our newest members.  It’s pretty awesome.

Other news:

We also have begun a new year of preparation for Christina Initiation.  If you know someone who wants to become Catholic or a Catholic who wants to be confirmed or come back to the Church, it’s not too late—find Mary Sue Lone and she will help them out.  We have 2 people who will be received into the Church in October, and we have about 10-15 who are inquiring about receiving Sacraments at Easter.  Keep praying for folks to respond to wherever the Spirit is calling them.

Our Pastoral Council met last week.  Their main task is to help us plan 5 years out and 10 years out.  The Holy Spirit is speaking to us, and they are helping me listen to what the Spirit is saying to our parish family.  We have been spending time praying together and sharing what the Spirit is saying.  

Our School Council met the week prior.  Their main task is to help our community members who engage with our school ministry to remain connected to the larger parish family.  One of the biggest challenges within parishes today is that it is easy to isolate any one ministry—and our School Council listens to the Holy Spirit on how to bring us together rather than being pulled away.  They seek to connect families with Christ through our parish family.

Let’s keep praying for each other as the Holy Spirit keeps guiding us to make this community home.