Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

News and Notes:  Join us next Saturday evening, September 24 at 6:30PM in St. Maria Goretti Church Hall for Conversations with My Molester: A Journey of Faith, a play written and acted by Michael Mack, a victim of abuse who in time experienced the Lord’s reconciliation and healing.  There is no charge for admission but a free-will offering is greatly appreciated.  The following day, Sunday, September 25, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish will host a brunch in their Church Hall following the 11AM Mass. 

Today is Catechetical Sunday, a day in which we mark the beginning of a new season for catechesis in the life and mission of the Church.  The theme for Catechetical Sunday 2016 is “Prayer: the Faith Prayed,” highlighting the importance of prayer, both liturgical and personal, in the process of ongoing faith formation.  We are so blessed and grateful for the generous commitment of the men and women of our parishes who will serve as catechists in our Faith Formation program for 2016-2017.  They will be working along with our Faith Formation Leadership Team of Steve Gannon (Grades 7-10 in both parishes), Alexis McDuffee (Grades 1-6 at OLA), and Bethany Kilroy (Grades 1-6 at SMG).  Here is a prayer for catechists that we can all pray as the new Religious Education season approaches: 

Lord God, source of all wisdom and knowledge, you sent your son, Jesus Christ, to live among us and to proclaim his message of faith, hope, and love to all nations.  In your goodness bless our brothers and sisters who have offered themselves as catechists for your Church.  Strengthen them with your gifts that they may teach by word and example the truth that comes from you.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen. 

Blessings to all of you in the week ahead!