“Return, rebellious children, says the Lord, for I am your Master…” – Jer 3:14a

“Among the fruits that ripen in the law of God is resolutely obeyed, the most precious is certainly this, that married couples themselves will often desire to communicate their own experience to others.  This it comes about that in the fullness of the lay vocation will be included a novel and outstanding form of the apostolate by which, like ministering to like, married couples themselves by the leadership they offer will become apostles to other married couples.  And surely among all the forms of the Christian apostolate it is hard to think of one more opportune for the present time.”  -Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, 26.

This past Wednesday was the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Pope Paul VI’s landmark and prophetic encyclical on human life, Humanae Vitae.  If you’ve never read it, you should – it has not lost anything with the passage of time.  Indeed, it’s all the more relevant now.  (And it’s not that long, either; it’s an easy read.)

Pope Paul reminds us that our adherence to the law of God doesn’t diminish our freedom, but rather sets us free: free from sin, free from the disordered affections of the world, and free from fear, and allows to grow into full stature as children of God.  God is love, and we are made in His image and likeness; thus, we are called to be people of love.  Resolutely obeying God’s law gives us a path to follow that allows us to love more perfectly.  This is why He uses the prophet Jeremiah – and so many others – to call us to return to Him.

Let us resolutely obey God this week and return to Him!

Some news and notes:

PRAYERS:  Please keep in your prayers Lauren Sundo and Matthew Elliott, who will be married tomorrow; Stella Christine Gazzo, who will be baptized on Sunday; and our soon-to-be ninth graders who will be making their Confirmation retreat this weekend.

CATECHISTS NEEDED:  We are in dire need of catechists for our upcoming Faith Formation year.  Both the Sunday morning and Wednesday evening programs need catechists, and there are openings in pretty much every grade level.  It’s doesn’t matter if you’ve never done anything like this before – we’ll train you, equip you, and support you all year.  You can do this!  Contact the faith formation office for more details.

ROSARY: As this is the 5^th Sunday of the month, the Knights of Columbus will lead the Rosary before the 10:00 AM Mass, beginning at 9:30.  Join us as we honor our Blessed Mother and beg her intercession.

SCRIPTURE STUDY:  Don’t forget to join Deacon Mingwei on Thursday night as he leads a Scripture study focusing on next Sunday’s readings.  7:30 in the Charity Room.

CONFIRMATION:  We have recently received word from the Diocese that Bishop Zubik will be here to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, October 6, at 10:00 AM.  More information will be forthcoming.

PIG ROAST:  Don’t forget to support our Guatemala Mission group next weekend at the annual pig roast, from 4-7 PM in the Social Hall.

Well, that turned out to be quite lengthy, but there’s a lot to think about, and even more to do.  Have a great weekend, and know that you are loved.  See you at Mass!

Peace,

Fr. Mike