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September 23, 2022Saint Michael’s Night Out – Monday, September 26th at 6pm at the new location for ChamacosSeekers 6:01 – Wednesday, September 28th at 6:01pmFamily Faith Formation – Sunday, October 2nd at 12:15pm
This weekend we welcome Jim Pennell from Beaufort, S.C. who will be speaking on behalf of Franciscan Works for the 2022 Missionary Cooperation Appeal.
Franciscan Works is a Catholic organization with Franciscan roots. They believe that children should grow not only in their mind and body, but in their spirit. Therefore, they offer Catholic education, guide students in daily prayers, provide student community service opportunities and celebrate together liturgical holidays throughout the year.
Franciscan Works supports the work of Liberia Mission, Inc. Since 2003, Liberia Mission has been a community of love, learning, work and prayer in Liberia, West Africa. Here, over 500 poor and orphaned children, survivors of Liberia's brutal civil war and Ebola, are learning to become future leaders in their families, communities, and country. Liberia Mission provides education and residential support to desperately poor children who traditionally have few, if any, formal learning opportunities.
Liberia Mission consists of a secure 10-acre campus and an adjoining 15-acre farm property. The main campus houses St. Anthony of Padua School, St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, separate residence buildings for boys and girls, and accommodations for program managers and American volunteers. Jim was one of those volunteers. If you didn’t come to Church today prepared to contribute to this worthy cause, please take an envelope home with you and put it in next week’s offertory. As always thanks for your generosity.
-- Fr. Jerry
September 25, 2022 | Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time | by the Faithful Disciple
Am 6:1a, 4-7 | 1 Tm 6:11-16 | Lk 16:19-31
GROW AS A DISCIPLE | PRAY, STUDY, ENGAGE, SERVE
GROW: Don’t let the purple garments and fine linen throw you. We who are fortunate enough to not have to think about our daily needs being met don’t have to be dressed in fancy clothing. But it would not hurt to reflect for a moment on the unsettling parable of Lazarus and the rich man. Why? As Amos reminds us in the first reading, complacency isn’t an option. Perhaps one of the simplest elements of this teaching of Jesus is the fact that the name Lazarus comes from the Hebrew name Eleazar, which means “God is my helper,” or “God will help.” Lazarus had no one on earth to help him and so he trusted in God completely. Although this may not be easy for us to do, it is what God asks of us. This coming week, seek to know the Lord better through studying his word and seeking him in prayer more often. Allow him to walk beside you.
GO EVANGELIZE | PRAYER, INVITATION, WITNESS, ACCOMPANIMENT
GO: Who is “Lazarus” today? He could be the homeless person who smells of cigarettes and hasn’t bathed in a while, or the mentally ill woman who shouts at us as we walk by. Today’s readings challenge us to move out of complacency and judgment and, instead, see the poor as human beings deserving of dignity and care. Unlike the rich man in today’s parable, we still have time to reorder our priorities and find ways to close the “chasm” between rich and poor. As Pope Francis said during the Mass for the World Day of the Poor in 2021, indifference is not an option. The Church “asks us not to turn aside, not to be afraid to take a close look at the suffering of those most vulnerable.” Then, act. Today’s psalm tells us all we need to know: “Blessed he who keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry.”
ACT: If you encounter someone in need on the street, consider giving away socks, a gift card to an area restaurant, or simply offer a nod and a smile. Then perhaps seek volunteer opportunities near you.
