The Nativity of St. John The Baptist

 Dear Parishioners,

      On March the 19^th Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Exhortation entitled Gaudete et Exsultate.  The title is means Rejoice and Be Glad. This is spiritually challenging document.  It concerns living an authentic spiritual life.  Many times, we think that we must be a little strange to be holy. That is not the case.  In fact, there are many paths to holiness and many spiritualities.

     Pope Francis discusses this in his Exhortation.  An Exhortation is not like an Encyclical letter that is meant to be a teaching document.  An Exhortation is meant to be encouragement for the faithful.

     Summer is a good time for our Staff to offer some Adult Education. I also find that parishioners have some free time in the summer.  We like to read good books and we like to expand our minds a little. We would like to offer three sessions on this most recent papal document.  The material Francis covers is very understandable.  He offers a spiritual path for Christians to reflect on.  The document is divided into five short chapters.  The schedule for the series will be as follows:

July  12^th  Fr. Matthew      #1 Call to Holiness and #2 Two Enemies of Holiness

July 19^th    Fr. Mark            #3 The Light of the Master

July 26^th    Sr. Kathleen      #4 Signs of Holiness in the World and #5 Spiritual Combat, Vigilance and Discernment

      The sessions will last 60-90 minutes, and they will start at 7 p.m.   They will be held in Culemans Hall.  I would encourage everyone to invite a friend.  Participants do not have to be from our parish.  Anyone is welcome.  Pope Francis is an important figure in our church.  Why not come to learn more about his teaching?

Blessings,

Fr. Mark

P.S. The work on our air conditioning in the church is complete.  This was a massive project. There was a lot of piping and wiring that had to be redone.  Our other air conditioner had been hit by lightening several years ago. It was slowly deteriorating.  Thanks to all those who donate to our Heart to Heart fund and who have left us bequests.  This allows preventive maintenance to be done.