Dear Parishioners,

Aug 29, 2010

For your consideration:

WELCOME to everyone whether you are visiting, new or old to our parish. EVERYONE IS WELCOME and hope you join with us in giving praise to God.

As our schools have begun let us remember to take a little more time as the traffic has increased. There are more children on the streets and they deserve our safe driving. May God bless each of our children or young people entering a new stage of their lifes whether it be in elementary, middle, high school, or colleges. May God give all the parents the wisdom to help their children in their
endeavors.

Our Children’s Faith Formation (Religious Education) begins this week on August 29th, 30th and September 1st. These classes are a service to help parents in their responsibility to “pass on” their faith and to teach children more about our loving and caring God. This responsibility requires
commitment and willingness to teach your children well. We are still in need of volunteers. If you wish to volunteer, please contact Maureen at 788-6747 or HopeDRE@cfl.rr.com.

Keep the bulletins coming. I love seeing them for fresh ideas of what to include in our bulletins. In reference to our collection of bulletins, here’s a new slant (of bulletin bloopers– of which we have none, of course.) Here are some supposedly true bloopers from other church bulletins: “Don’t let
worry kill you off– Let the church help.” If you also receive the newspapers published by a Diocese,
they’re interesting too. I am also interested in any diocese wide newspapers you may receive.

Why Catholic ? Please think about being a part of this worthwhile program that some 50 parishes have decided to join. You may participate as a host home, a facilitator or a participant. Sign Up this Weekend or next don’t miss out on this exciting program. Open to Everyone in the parish.

We are preparing for the Alive in Christ Campaign, soon to begin in the Fall. More details as they become available to us. We are in the last phase, Phase VI, along with 30 other parishes that
will be participating. Further details will follow as the Diocese schedules us. Some scheduling has already begun. We just want you to know that such a program has been going on throughout our Diocese for the past 2 years and now it is our turn. A schedule is being prepared for our participation.

I want to call your attention to the upcoming Workshops for Ministers of Holy Communion, and Morning of Reflection (page 8). We need you! Let us not disregard the requirement of the Diocese for our ministries. Remember all liturgical ministry stems from the Commissioning by the Bishop’s delegation. Consider this thought: “Sometimes it’s easier to see where God was than where God is.”

Reflection on going to church? Here’s my answer. Young people have asked me, “If I lead a good life, respect other people, and pray in private why do I have to go to church?” My answer: “All of
that is just fine, but the idea is to do all that with all the other people who do all that.” One of the
purposes of going to church is to see that you are not the only one who does good works, loves your neighbor (even when she is unlovable), and struggles daily with doing what is expected of a
Catholic. Finally, going to Mass and receiving the Eucharist should provide us with the sustenance
and strength we need to go out there and do it all over the coming week.

Father Stephen and I met with the marriage preparation team of the parish. We were impressed
by their “working knowledge” and their role in preparing couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony.
Thank You to all.

Finally, we say again, we recognize and appreciate the many parishioners who continue to support Our Lady of Hope with their prayers and continued loyalty. Our faith continues to be our challenge.

Peace, Fr. Joe