Notes from Fr. Jim’s keyboard… 

• Discipline… is the focus of our second reading today from the Letter to the Hebrews. Sometimes we might look upon discipline as something negative. There’s no doubt that discipline can be a sacrifice, whether we ourselves adopt some practice, or when we’re disciplined by someone in authority. But the root word of discipline is “disciple.” As Catholics, let us make sacrifices in order to be better disciples. It can be a humbling experience! But Jesus rewards our humility as he promises us in today’s Gospel: “Some are last who will be first.”
 
• Our recent Summer Music Camp… was a wonderful experience for the 52 young people who participated in three days of fun, friendship, and musical learning. The participants shared their musical talents with us at the 11:30 mass last Sunday, helping us to pray through the gift of music. Thanks to all who participated or helped in any way, especially our parish Music Ministers Daniel Kovacic and Brian Eisiminger, who organized the event.

• It’s picnic time!… Don’t forget about our Parish Picnic today held on the St. Thomas More Campus, rain or shine! Weather permitting, the 11:30 Mass will be celebrated outdoors. Following Mass, a picnic lunch will be provided, and fun games will be played. Occasions like this are great opportunities to build parish community. Hope to see you there!

• School bells will soon be ringing… for many of our young people! Let’s keep students, families, teachers, and school administrators in our prayer as this new school year begins. May it be a time of growth, and may our schools reflect the values that are important to us.