Today is the feast of the Patron of our parish, St. Alphonsus. He was a great theologian who worked hard to make the very rigorist moral theology of his day more relevant to the needs of the people of that time. Let us ask him in our prayers to continue to protect our parish and keep us open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
This Wednesday is the feast of St. John Vianney. He is the patron of parish priests. Against all odds, he succeeded in being an effective pastor in the French village of Ars. It has been said that he got lost as he was going to his new parish. He met a small boy and said, “If you show me the way to Ars, I will show you the way to heaven.”
Today, the work of the parish priest is much changed from his time, and yet, it is much the same.
There is much written about the low morale and burn-out among parish priests. This is understandable with the ever increasing demands on fewer and older priests (this is not unlike some other professions either).
With the child abuse scandals, Episcopal cover-up, the sometimes unreasonable expectations of parish members, etc., it is no wonder so many priests are just trying to “get by.”
I must say I have great sympathy for them, BUT I am so grateful to be at St. Alphonsus. Our parish has had a long history of fine priests. Members are very involved in the ministries. Your continued financial support has made it possible to have adequate pastoral and professional staff. All of this plus your personal support and encouragement make being a priest at St. Alphonsus a joy and not a burden. Thank you, and keep praying for priests.
As we witness the children being baptized, we are fortunate to know that our parish is growing, continually welcoming new members into the “body of Christ.” These Baptisms are also great opportunities to renew our own Baptismal commitment. I find it edifying that so many parish members take time to congratulate the new parents.
If you know of a parish member who is beginning or returning to college, please send their email address to the parish office at
stals@st-alphonsus.org. We would like to compile a group list and keep in touch with them from time to time. Your help is appreciated.
Also, keep those couples who have just married or will be marrying this year at our church in your prayers. I am sure they will appreciate it.
I continue to be impressed by how many attend the 7:00 a.m. weekday Mass. If you have the time and want to experience a small community Mass, please join us. You will not regret it.
Vigil light candles are available at the Mary Shrine in the rear of the church. It is a very old tradition to light candles as a sign that we are asking God for help in some particular way or thanking Him for his blessings to us. The lit candles are a reminder to those who see them to keep the intentions represented by those candles in their prayers.
One group of parish members who work quietly behind the scenes is our collection counters. They faithfully and accurately make sure all your generous gifts are properly accounted for. Thank you for your “unsung” service to our parish.
We had some flooding in the Parish Ministry Center after the rains of
July 23/24. Hopefully, the insurance will cover some of the damage (after the $1000 deductible). The Church air-conditioning system has been repaired. The cost was several thousand dollars, but I am told it “should last” a few more seasons. Let’s hope so.
Thanks for all you do to keep our parish so faith-filled.
