For our summer Celebration Weekend, the mission is invitation! We are not going to have the advertising strategy we had for the festival in the past (Aka – putting out a large sign near the road), but will use the postcards, raffle tickets, word-of-mouth, and personal invitation to Pack the BBQ, Pack the Picnic, and Pack the Prayer Tent! Truly, many times a person will attend an event because someone they know invited them and will join them. Think about it, Jesus started everything with an invitation.

There will be a book study on Theology of the Body at St. Basil the Great, starting on June 19th. The advertisement is later in the bulletin. This would be a great opportunity to hear of the good, true, and beautiful message of God’s plan for humanity and sexuality, about which our culture is often very mistaken and confused. I HIGHLY support this study and those who are providing it.

I will be heading out for my annual 8-day silent retreat early Sunday morning and will return on June 16th. Yes, I know that I will be away for my official being made pastor, but it will be providential in that not only will the 15th be Father’s Day, but it will also be the last full day of the retreat. Truly, there will be no better way of preparing for this new role here at the parish than to spend some time soaking in prayer. I have on my computer and try to notice Ps. 127 – “Unless the LORD build the house, they labor in vain who build.” It will certainly be a graced time to be with Him and hear how he wants me to lead and love as a pastor. Please keep me in prayer and know that you will be in mine.