Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

News and Notes: OLA parishioners will notice that two pews have been removed from each side of their Church.  The purpose of this to make room for a transverse aisle that will allow ease of movement for funerals (for pall bearers, ministers, priests and mourners), and afford us suitable space for processions and communion stations on major liturgical celebrations like Christmas and Easter.  It is also possible to place the movable baptismal font in that area to relieve the current overcrowded space near the Blessed Mother statue in front of the Church.  St. Maria’s and many other parishes already have such a transverse aisle and it has proven to be very helpful.  The small plaques on the removed pews at OLA will be taken off and affixed to pews that remain in the Church, to honor the contribution of the original donors and their memorial dedications.  This weekend, at the 10Mass at SMG, we are commissioning catechists from both parishes for their service during the coming year.  Here is a prayer of blessing which we can all pray for those who will be teaching our children:  “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.”  Thanks to the Knights of Columbus and all who have labored to make the Collaborative Barbeque event happen again this year…and blessings to all of you in the week ahead!