July 26, 2022August 2, 2022

Fr. Mike’s Communication for July 31 2022

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From the Pastor’s Desk | July 31, 2022 | Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

~ Colossians 3:1

Brothers and Sisters,

Temptation often leads us to poor habits- the lure of wealth or the attraction to laziness – or even the mystery of how both can impact us. As St. Paul reminds the Colossians, let’s act like who we are meant to be. We are brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus. As such, it allows us to operate as witnesses, seeking what is eternal. The rat race towards wealth is not an answer to lasting happiness, nor is complacency, a trait, if unchecked, that can lead to binge-watching an entire season of a show in one sitting. During the week ahead, write yourself a little reminder to remember to “seek what is above.” Tape this little prompt on your bathroom mirror or fridge door, or even send yourself a text. You might be surprised at the good habits you can begin or maintain as part of this easy exercise.

Our parish and school are currently hiring. Recently, our music director Ben-David accepted a position at a parish in Arlington. We are willing to explore several possibilities to fulfill the responsibilities. We are also exploring some options but continue actively pursuing a youth minister. Please send a resume to Lisa Sliker to apply for the parish positions. OLPH School is seeking a full-time 5th-grade teacher and a part-time nurse. For additional information or to apply, please email a resume to our principal, Tracy Underwood, at tunderwood@olphschool.org. Please feel free to share these opportunities with family, friends, or neighbors looking for a wonderful place to work.

I wanted to mention that the parish staff recently discovered an issue with our phone system where voicemail delivery is not working correctly. We do apologize if our technological difficulties have been an inconvenience; our apologies!

Lastly, we are excited to welcome family and friends of Fr. Anthony to celebrate his 25th Anniversary of Priestly Ministry next Saturday, August 6. Parishioners are welcome to join us for a Saturday 6:30 pm Mass celebrated by Fr. Anthony. A reception will follow in the parish center. We are grateful to the many people who dedicate a prayer for vocations to sustain holy vocations and for the Lord to lead others into ministry and witness as priests, deacons, religious, marriage, and lay ministries. Please join me in praying for Carolyn Cooney, Sr. Thomas Miriam, Mike King, and other discerning vocations. May God bless them!

Some considerations:

  • Back by popular demand! With an Evening Schedule! Understanding Anxiety & Stress in a Post-Pandemic World Workshop Series: Starts September 8, 2022 – Learn how to feel stronger and healthier in a post-pandemic world by attending this upcoming series of workshops presenting talks and time to practice learning a new technique experientially. Presented by Dr. Kathleen Musslewhite, Executive Director of the Alpha Omega Clinic, the series will run monthly on Thursday evenings: September 8, October 13, November 10, January 12, February 9, and March 2; each session duration: 7:00-8:30 pm. Each session costs $60 per person, or sign up for the entire series for $300 per person. Come to all or some. This program is a collaboration between Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center and the Alpha Omega Clinic, located at 7007 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817. Find more information and links to register: www.ourladyofbethesda.org

  • Take a Personal “Retreat” Day this Summer! | Aug 12 | 8:30 am-4 pm – Are your days overcrowded, jam-packed, and busy, busy, busy? Take a break this summer and enjoy your very own personal retreat at Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center. During your personal retreat, an experienced retreat director will guide you to a place of rest with Christ. The retreat schedule allows for one-on-one spiritual direction (optional), quiet reflection, Mass, Confession, and Eucharistic Adoration, plus continental breakfast and lunch, so you will be nourished and cared for while Our Lord speaks to your soul about the depths of His love for you. The cost is $120 per person. Advance registration is required, and registrations will be limited to facilitate appropriate social distancing. Visit our website to register and to find more dates at ourladyofbethesda.org. Or call 301-365-0612. We also have monthly Mini-Retreats for women and Evenings of Reflection for men—our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center, 7007 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817, www.ourladyofbethesda.org
  • Are you refurnishing or downsizing? – The Resource Exchange Ministry of St. Vincent de Paul in downtown Baltimore needs gently used, clean furniture and household goods. For a decade, parish volunteers have been working with Health Care for Homeless to furnish the apartments of their newly housed clients. For more information, visit: https://www.stvchurch.org/justice-service/the-resource-exchange or call 410-657-5874.
  • All -Bach Benefit Concert to Support Mary’s Home | Sunday, Aug. 7 | 2:30 pm – Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music at Ss. Philip and James Church, located at 2801 N. Charles St. Baltimore, offer a donation to support St. Mary’s House, Maryland. Mary’s Home Maryland is a pro-life ministry with Catholic values. Its mission is to provide a safe, pro-life home environment and holistic services program for expectant mothers in crisis and their children in need. To learn more about the work done at Mary’s Home, visit https://www.maryshomemaryland.org/

In the Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett