We have a lot of opportunities beginning this week and next to grow in the faith. For adults who are thinking about becoming Catholic, our OCIA sessions begin on 8/19. For students grade 1-8 who don’t attend a Catholic school, Monday evening Religious Education classes begin on 9/8. For those who want to become more effective in sharing the faith with others, we have a series of talks on Catholic apologetics on Tuesday evenings, beginning 9/30. Those who want to be more immersed in scripture, we are beginning a new Bible study on Saturday mornings starting on 9/6. Those who want to reflect more deeply on the Divine Will of God in their lives are invited to join a new prayer group on Wednesday evenings. Anyone who likes to sing is invited to join the 9:00 choir for their new season beginning with a rehearsal on 9/18. For middle schoolers and for high schoolers, there will be separate kickoffs for the year’s ministry on 9/7, featuring food, prayer, and a giant obstacle course.
The Knights of Columbus are offering their Men’s Tools and Toys garage sale on Friday and Saturday, August 22/23. Stop by the parish office garage where you will likely find the toys you need for golf and tennis and fishing, and the tools for woodworking and plumbing and gardening. The proceeds all support the good works of our Knights of Columbus.
In January we will mark the 50th anniversary of the dedication of our church building. As I look through photos of the early days of our parish, I see men with suitcoats, ties and fedoras. Women were wearing dresses and hats. Times and styles have changed; today we dress much more casually for almost every event. I would offer a suggestion, though. The Mass is a sacred encounter with our God. Our clothing should reflect that we are here for a sacred encounter. We all understand that sometimes families are rushing to get to Mass from an athletic event, a family picnic or a lake gathering. There are no judgments and we are glad for everyone who is here. But as a routine it is surely a worthy act of reverence to dress modestly and to wear our better clothes when we come to meet our God.
