I. A Big Thank You! The celebration of the dedication anniversary of our church buildings was inspiring. Last weekend we were reminded, through the specially chosen Scripture readings and Bishop Medley’s homily, that the dwelling place of God cannot be confined to a building, as beautiful as this third church building of Saint Stephen is! The Lord longs to dwell in the heart of every person and in the midst of our Cathedral community. Truly, when Jesus is our capstone, there is room for everyone, and no one is excluded. The choir, under the capable direction of James Wells, helped us to pray better. Music makes such a huge difference in our liturgical celebrations!
A heartfelt gratitude to all those who made our celebration last Saturday evening special. Special gratitude to Deacon Dirck Curry and his wife, Chona; Larry and Gene Lyon, Barbara Jones, Glenn Thompson and his burgoo team (visit our Cathedral Facebook Page), Bill Drury and his barbecue chicken crew (Facebook), our Parish Pastoral Council and the Pastoral Team (staff), those who prepared and cooked the additional food, those who served the food, those who helped to set-up and clean up the Community Center, and to all others who helped in any way! Thank you! Thank you! A wonderful celebration!
RAFFLE WINNERS for vacation destination trips: Hawaii—Joan Froehlich; Snowshoe Mountain—Brian Alexis; Cumberland Lake—Corey Bruns, who purchased one ticket! Money Raffle: $2,500—Ann Payne; $1,000—Mary Helen Nash; three $500—Jeff Murphey, John Thayer, and Billy Murphy. Congratulations to our winners, and thanks to all those who purchased or sold tickets to make our raffle successful!
II. Want to Help our Money Counters? Use your tithing envelopes if it all possible. If you could place your envelope number on your checkbook and then simply write your envelope number on the check, that is helpful. Don’t forget that you also have the choice to give electronically online through WeShare. It’s safe, convenient and easy. Regardless, thank you for giving back gratefully!
III. St. Vincent de Paul Workers: since we are celebrating of the Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul this week, who had such a love for the poor and needy, all our SSC St. Vincent de Paul workers are invited to the noon Mass on Wed-nesday, Sept. 27th, followed by a light lunch in the Community Center. In the name of the entire parish, I wish to express gratitude for your respect and compassion for those in our area who are needy. You represent our parish well! Christ’s presence is often camouflaged in those who come to us in need. Since we have had a few members to retire from this ministry recently, we could use more parishioners to this ministry. Is Christ calling you to be His hands, His feet, but mostly His eyes, ears, and voice to the needy? Contact Harry Bellew or our parish office and we will have a volunteer call you for training.
“Do not preach about God to a hungry man; feed him, and you are teaching him about God.” St. Vincent de Paul
God cannot be outdone in generosity.