Dear Parishioners,

 

St. Paul exhorts us, “In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

 

We can be grateful for the safe, but chaotic, start to the school year last week. I encountered a significant traffic snarl at the corner of Center Ridge Rd. and Ranger way last Thursday morning. Despite bussing mix ups and traffic quagmires, school safely began. Thanks be to God.

We can also thank God for the many backpacks that were blessed at each parish over the weekend.

We need to also be grateful for God’s protection last Saturday afternoon. As Mass was ending at St. Peter’s and beginning at St. Julie’s many phones began warning everyone of an impending tornado. Thank God it ended up only being wind and rain.

Finally, we can thank God for the St. Julie outdoor Mass and picnic last Sunday, and for the 48 years of parish ministry that has blessed North Ridgeville and beyond.

 

This Saturday, August 29 the parish councils from both St. Peter and St. Julie parishes gathered for an orientation day. I am grateful for the prayerful input our parish councils give me. Come Holy Spirit!

 

Discovering Christ begins on Monday, September 14. I strongly encourage parishioners from both parishes to participate in this series. It is an inspiring way to grow in knowing, loving and serving Christ. Childcare is available. Families will eat together. After dinner, adults will view a timely video and discuss it, while children have their own supervised activities. Signup at either parish website.

 

The Respect Life Committee of St. Julie and St. Peter Parishes are ready to accept your signature and a donation for the Annual Pro-Life Billboard campaign. Signups will take place in the vestibule of both parishes this weekend.

 

Labor Day is Monday, September 7. Mass will be at 9:00 AM at St. Julie Parish. All are welcome to thank God for the blessings we all share through our mutual labors.

 

In today’s gospel, Jesus described for the first time what would happen to him: rejection, suffering, death on the cross and rising from the dead on the third day. Peter, the newly appointed Rock and possessor of the keys, tried to talk Jesus out of it.

 

In no uncertain terms, Jesus corrected Simon Peter. This time Peter was not inspired by God. He was thinking “as human beings do.” (Matthew 16:23b) Jesus went on to instruct his disciples that following Him was costly. Deny yourself…take up your cross… To try to save one’s life by being self-protective leads to losing it. To lose one’s life by giving it away in the name of Jesus Christ leads to saving it.

 

It is not natural to think this way. This is why St. Paul said in today’s second reading, “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) By God’s grace, let us synchronize our minds with the Lord.

 

In Christ, Fr. Bob Franco