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This week we celebrate Francis Week with a number of events: a Forum offered by Fr. Bill Beaudin on Monday evening, the Transitus Service on Tuesday evening, and Masses for the Solemnity of St. Francis on Wednesday. St. Francis will always be a “treasure†who continues to teach us how to live our Christian lives. He helps us discover what is important and what is not so important in life. He reminds us of the closeness of God in our lives and how God’s beauty is reflected in all of creation. He teaches us respect for all of creation and helps us take care of God’s creation.

There is much more to learn. Come and celebrate with us this week!

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.

The parables of Jesus were meant to teach a lesson to his hearers, and he would often tell a parable to those who opposed him. There is always a surprise in the parables and today’s is a good example. One thing to avoid when reading a parable is focusing on the details because they can be confusing or not make sense. The main point of the parable is to look for the “message†that Jesus is trying to get across to his audience. The Pharisees and scribes were often his audience; however, in today’s Gospel, he directs the parable to his disciples. There must have been tension among them and the parable pointed out that the landowner was “generous.†There is another “Landowner†who is generous that Jesus was pointing out.

Today at Mass the speakers remind all of us that we don’t just “attend†Mass, but that we are part of a faith community; we are committed to this church at this time. To keep our church running and providing Masses, confessions, programs and ministries daily, your nancial commitment is necessary. Many people responded in years past to the One Hour Program either by increasing their weekly donation or by signing up for online giving. By signing up online, you don’t have to worry about having cash for the collec- tion. This has helped our income greatly. Still, I  find that the number of $1 bills in the collection is surprising. If this is all that you can afford, I am grateful, but consider what $1 means in today’s economy in Manhattan. It is rare that you can find anything for $1 – not even at Jack’s. All of our expenses are more than last year. We have worked together over the year to take care of necessary repairs and expenses. I know that I can count on your continued participation now.

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.

We are looking for qualified members of our worship community to serve as Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, and Ministers of Hospitality.

Training sessions will be held on the following dates:
• September 25 (Introduction for all liturgical ministers)
• October 16 (Sunday Eucharistic Ministers)
• October 23 (Weekday Eucharistic Ministers)
• October 30 (Lectors)

Come to our Ministry Fair on Sunday, September 17 in San Damiano Hall to get more information and to sign up!