Notes from Our Pastor

August 12, 2018

"Of many things!" 
 
Dear parishioners:   
First, a reminder! If you or a loved one is going into the hospital for an operation or procedure and would like to be anointed, please call or email and I will try to find a time to celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Often I or Fr. Don have been able to celebrate the sacrament after the weekend Mass you or the loved one attends. Secondly, if you know of a parishioner in the hospital, please let us know. Remember, because of privacy laws, hospitals no longer inform parishes that someone is there. The deacons and I will make every effort to make a visit.

For those who are grieving the loss of a spouse there is a special "GriefShare" seminar on Thursday, August 23rd in the Parish Center. It is a one-time, 2 hour seminar. So come or invite a friend that you know is grieving. Also, the bulletin has information on the ongoing "GriefShare" support group.
 

If you have not yet registered your children for The Parish School of Religion, you can find registration information on our parish website. 

 Save the date:  Our parish Fall Festival will be held on Sunday, October 7th. More details will be in upcoming bulletins! 

 If you know of anyone interested in our Catholic Faith, please contact Sr. Pat and she will be happy to meet with them and explain the Rite of Christian Initiation Journey. Remember to pray that we are enriched with new members and that they find in us a worthy home!   

And last, but not least: There are details in the bulletin for the 3rd Annual Theresa Twellman Memorial Run/Walk for a Cure for PSP/CBD/MSA on Saturday August 25th.  A wonderful way to get exercise while supporting a cause close to our parish family’s heart!   

In Christ, 
Fr, John     
                                     

August 5, 2018

"Do not work for food that perishes
but for food that endures for eternal life . . . !"

Dear Parishioners,
With the proclamation of last Sunday's Gospel we began hearing the sixth chapter of the Gospel of
John. This chapter is often called the "Bread of Life Discourse." After Jesus miraculously feeds the
5000 with a few loaves and fish, the people begin to follow him. As we will hear, he begins to
explain that he can feed them his own Body and Blood. He is the one they are longing for. If they eat
his body and blood they will have the gift of eternal life.

We are blessed to come together each Sunday with a sense that it is Jesus we long for. How many
live with a deep longing, but don't sense that their longing will only be filled if they encounter and
draw close to Jesus, the Bread of Life.

I invite all members of our parish community to pray for those who long for Jesus, but are not
yet aware that he is the one who can bring them peace, joy and the promise of eternal life. If you
know someone personally I ask you to invite them to join you here at Seven Holy Founders for
Sunday Mass. Invite them to consider joining the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, by becoming
an inquirer.

Sr. Pat Kofron has been kind enough to prepare the following prayer to help us remember those who
are longing and have not yet identified Jesus as the one who will fulfill their longing. As we pray for
those who are longing for Jesus and may not know it, we pray also that we find joy and peace in
remaining close to Jesus!

                                               Prayer for the Journey of Faith
Life-Giving Father, we ask you to bless our parish with candidates and catechumens who desire to
become one with us in our Catholic Faith. May our lives of prayer and our works of charity in the
name of Jesus, draw them to the Eucharistic table where we will stand as one body united in your
Spirit. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

In Christ,
Fr. John

July 29, 2018

"Feed the hungry. Give drink to the thirsty. Cloth the naked. Shelter the homeless. Visit
the Sick. Visit the imprisoned. Bury the dead."

Dear Parishioners:
Do you remember learning the "Corporal Works of Mercy" in your Catholic Grade School or
Parish School of Religion Program?
Maybe, maybe not. If we remember them or not, I am grateful for the Acts of Mercy that are
lived out in our Seven Holy Founders Parish Community.

The outreach of our St. Vincent DePaul Society, our association with The Affton Christian
Food Pantry, Garfield House, and cooking for the homeless at St. Vincent DePaul
Parish touch the needs of so many who are hungry, thirsty, and need to be clothed (or need
assistance meeting basic human needs.)

There are parishioners who visit the homebound and bring Holy Communion as well as
several who assist doing the same at local hospitals. Additionally, some parishioners make
Prayer Shawls that are available to the sick or those grieving.

There are those who come to sing in the Funeral Choir or act as an altar server on the day
of their fellow parishioner’s funeral liturgy. In addition many of our parishioners help
organize/make food or serve if there is a funeral luncheon.. On August 23rd, from 6:30 to
8:30pm, there will be a special program for those grieving the loss of a spouse.

I am so grateful for your faithful and compassionate example and am sure that I am missing
many other ways that "Works of Mercy" are being lived out by our faithful parishioners!

Please let this serve as an invitation to join in any of these ministries in our parish! Sometimes
parishioners are trying to find a place to connect with other parishioners. What better way than
to make that connection living out the "Works of Mercy?"

In Christ,
Fr. John

For more parish news and information, please check our weekly bulletin.