Dear friends,

We welcome two familiar faces who will be helping out around the parish during the summer. Fr. Geoff Wheaton who is chaplain to a London college who will stay until close to the end of August and my brother Fr. Leslie, on vacation from his teaching in China, will be here until the beginning of August. In light of Fr. Dan undergoing chemotherapy at present, they are particularly welcome. Please continue to pray for healing for Fr. Dan.

 Just about every month there is a special collection at all the parishes of the Archdiocese. This month is the famous “Peter’s Pence” collection. All monies collected enable the Holy Father to provide emergency assistance to the most disadvantaged – those who suffer because of war, oppression, disease, and natural disaster. In 2007, about one third of the worldwide proceeds of the Peter’s Pence Collection came from the United States. Pope Benedict XVI needs our generosity to carry out his works of charity.
 Everyone at some time or other comes up against the question raised in today’s readings:
What are there sin and death in the world? Most especially, we ask that question when we meet at situation like the one in the Gospel passage.
“Why does God let little children suffer and die?” we ask. Today’s passage from the Book of Wisdom, answers us in no uncertain terms. “God did not make death.”  Even more powerfully, today’s Alleluia verse reminds us, “Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death.” The little girl raised to life, and the woman just before who touched Jesus and was healed, may seem like characters from a dim and distant past; but they are vibrant witnesses that Jesus has, in fact, destroyed death. Their bodies have long since left this earth, but their souls, our faith tells us, live on. Their stories down to the present day attest that Jesus has brought all of us healing and eternal life.                     ~ Father McNamara      
 

Coming up at St. B's

"Paul and His Letters: An Introduction": A six part series by Father Doug Glassman, starts Thursday, July 9, 2009, 7:30 pm in the Parish Center. Bring your Bible!

Next Food Gathering:
July 19-20
Please bring your non-perishable items to benefit the Guadalupe Center food pantry.

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