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In his book Crossing the Threshold of Hope, Pope St. John Paul II speaks briefly of Islam. He notes that in the Islamic tradition, God is all-powerful and majestic. He is only God outside the world - never a part of us, never with us. This vision of God, removed from creatures, then serves only as an eternal judge with legalistic formality.
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Now consider the Christian notion of God - a God who certainly is Majestic, All-Powerful and yet completely and totally among us, with us, united to His creatures and creation. We believe in this God Who desires to share intimate communion with His people. Yet, interestingly enough, I find that many people often hold to a belief that aligns closer with the Islamic notion of God ... a distant God, abstract, somewhere up in the sky who is not so interested in the way we live our lives. Attending church, coming to Mass, helps us stay connected in some way, yet does not have much effect on the way we live - our moral actions, the pursuit of virtue, holiness and the desire for repentance and forgiveness of our sins. It is easy to dismiss these attributes of our Catholic identity when our view of God is distant.
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As we read Jesus' famous "Bread of Life" discourse in St. John's Gospel, it is hard to not take notice of just how personal and intimate Jesus' desires to be with us. So much so, that we wants to share life with us - "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you." He wants to get into every nook and cranny of our lives - not so that He becomes a part of us but just the opposite ... we become a part of Him! This, then, gives the ultimate direction of our lives, it is what moves us toward repentance of our sins and missteps, to live our lives in pursuit of virtue and holiness, to care for one another and the poor.
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The Eucharist is meant to change us, to make us come alive - and that life is the Life of the Son of God — the Majestic, All-Powerful, Second Person of the Blessed Trinity — completely and totally in us. The Eucharist, therefore, is our moment, our bond with God, and it is not to be taken lightly or carelessly, but rather with profound reverence and devotion — with Faith in God-with-Us and among us.
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Let us ask for the grace necessary for this faith.
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Summerfest Parish Picnic is this Sunday, August 29th! Join us from 11:30am-3pm ... Tickets are $15/pp at the door.
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Join with members of our parish community on the First Friday of each month at 6pm, starting September 3rd as we pray a rosary for our nation. All are welcome to join since we all need prayer and should ask God to spare our world of more trials. God bless you!
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Fr. Frank's next presentation will take place on Thursday September 23, 2021. Join him for a talk on the relationship between Islam and Catholicism.
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Fr. Jon and Fr. Frank invite the men of the parish for a "Men's Night BBQ" at the rectory. Bring your own drinks, food will be provided. Please call the office for more information and to RSVP.
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Sign ups for 2021-2022 Religious Education will take place at Summerfest this weekend. CCD classes start on Sunday September 26, 2021 for all grades.
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The next altar server training will be held on Wednesday, September 15 at 7pm. Adults and youth are welcome to sign up! We are in great need of new servers!
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Join us on Sunday September 5th following the 8am and 10:30am Masses for coffee, donuts, and fellowship!
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays 12pm, concluding with Benediction at 6pm.
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Confessions are held on Wednesdays at 5pm; Saturdays at 3pm and by appointment with Fr. Jon or Fr. Frank.
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There is no new Coffee with FJ, but if you didn't catch the last episode, see below:
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Support Holy Family
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when you shop at Amazon with Amazon Smile!
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Click the image below to set Holy Family as your charity!
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Holy Family Roman Catholic Church
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