The Cross That Transforms: The heart of Christianity is that the cross leads to resurrection. On Wednesday, September 14, the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross, we proclaim the Good News that God transforms suffering and death into new life. Our God is a God of victory who reigns victorious, even over the evil of death. We rejoice in the mystery of the Cross, which brings about our freedom and salvation.

Men As Spiritual Leaders: make the sacrifice–yes, being at church at 6:00am can be a sacrifice–to learn more about your faith. That Man Is You program is designed to help men live out their spiritual lives in more practical ways. It will help you form a plan for your spiritual lives on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Beginning September 15, join other men on Thursday mornings at 6:00am in our Community Center to help you discern the voice of God in your life.

Parents & Catechetical Sunday:  from the Greek root word, meaning “to echo, or resound”, comes the word “catechesis.”  Catechesis is the act of resounding or bringing the Church’s teachings to the world. A catechist is one who teaches in the name of the Church. Of course, parents, who prepare the soil and plant the first seeds of faith, are truly the primary catechists of their children. As we thank catechists for sharing their faith, I commend parents and guardians for taking seriously their role of making their household (the domestic Church) a place where faith has passed on. Next weekend, Sept. 18, is Catechetical Sunday.

Financial Accountability: inserted in your bulletin you will find where God’s money was spent the fiscal year, July 1, 2015–June 30, 2016, and the budget proposed by our Finance Committee, approved by our Parish Pastoral Council, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017.  With each family/household doing his/her part, we can easily average $19,038 per week, which is needed to meet this year’s budget. Giving back to God through the Church Jesus founded, is a spiritual discipline which keeps us centered on what is important; it’s so easy to fill up our life with “things,” thinking that will make us happy. “Letting go” of our treasure can be freeing, when given in gratitude for all that God has done for us.