Message from Fr. David August 1, 2021

Time flies…it’s been one month since I arrived at Saint James.  Once again, thank you for your kind and warm welcome!  This past weekend’s celebration of the Feast of Saint James the Greater was certainly uplifting and festive, not to mention the enhancement to our music and the participation of our altar servers (welcome back!).  Even though it is Ordinary Time in the Church’s Liturgical Calendar, Feasts and particular parish celebrations give us the opportunity to turn things up a notch. 

Thank you to our Director of Music Ministry, cantors, instrumentalists, the volunteers who assisted with the flowers in the church, and the generous donors who helped purchase the plants and flowers. 

THANK YOU!

 

News and Updates

I met with the Parish Finance Council this past Tuesday morning.  We had a very productive and forward thinking meeting.  In addition to assessing the parish financial status, we discussed post-COVID stewardship outreach, explored potential revenue generating options for the school building, and discussed the future of the convent building.  After meeting with the Finance Council I am confident that the future of our parish will be exceedingly bright. We have a talented group of faith-filled and committed members.  As the summer winds slow down later this month, the Finance Council will be working on the Parish Financial Report which will be presented to the parish in the fall.  Thank you to our Finance Council for guiding our stewardship efforts.  Please be sure to thank them personally when you have the opportunity.

2021-2022 Saint James the Apostle Church Finance Council:

Rita Lombardi (President)

John Mailley

Janet Petino (Parish Trustee) 

John Pflug (Parish Trustee)

Michael Quick

Michelle Sblendorio (ex officio member)

Mary Speckhart

 

Reflection on the Readings

Mark Twain wrote, “I have known many troubles in my life, most of which never happened.”

We all know about such troubles, too.  These are the troubles looming just out in the future that occupy our mind in unguarded moments throughout the day or especially as we try to drift off to sleep. We can worry about world problems a little and work problems even more.  But the problems that keep us up the most, I’m sure, are family problems.  Or at least you and I portray them as problems in our mind.

Saint Paul warns the Ephesians, “You must no longer live in the futility of your mind.” He wants them to “put away the old self” and “be renewed in the spirit of your minds.”

Friends, when worries come and you are living in the futility of your mind, turn your worry over to God, who loves you even more than you love your own family.  Then get a good night’s sleep.