Fr. Tom's Blog

This man welcomes sinners and eats with them. These are words of complaint from the Pharisees and scribes concerning Jesus which we hear in the Gospel today. But these words also point out exactly what the ministry of Jesus is about. He seeks out the lost and those who are in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Those considered outcasts by the religious authorities experienced a welcome reception from Jesus. How do we welcome others, especially those different than us, in the name of Jesus? Jesus goes on to share the parables about the lost sheep and the lost coin. These stories highlight the extent Jesus will go in order to bring back what is lost. We should all rejoice in knowing that God never stops caring about the lost. Each of us matters and we are invited to share in the heavenly banquet prepared for us by Christ.
 
This weekend we also celebrate Catechetical Sunday. We give thanks for all those in our parish community who use their gifts to pass on the faith to others. This includes teachers in our various education programs, volunteers in our many ministries, coaches, and especially parents. We will offer a special blessing of all catechists at our Masses.
 
A number of high school youth from our parish will be attending the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis in November. Please support these young people on their faith journey by being a Stock-In-Youth purchaser. You can make a contribution the next two weekends or anytime through the Youth Ministry Office. 
 
Next weekend we are having a second collection for our sister community in San Rafael Cedros, El Salvador. Your financial contributions will support the youth of the community through scholarships to high school and college. This is an important outreach ministry of our parish and a way we unite with our brothers and sisters in El Salvador. We support the scholarship students throughout the year, so your generosity with the second collection will help with this effort. Please use the envelope provided in your monthly contribution packet or simply designate your contribution for El Salvador. You can also contribute through our on-line giving link on our parish website. Thanks for your continued support of this ministry.
 
As mentioned at Masses last weekend, Bishop Johnston publicly released the names of clerics from our diocese who have substantial allegations of sexual abuse of minors against them. Hopefully, you have received the letter from the Bishop sent to all registered households in the diocese that contains more details. You can also access the information on the diocesan website at www.kcsjcatholic.org. I hope you will take time to read the letter and keep in prayer all those who have been gravely harmed by the abuse. This is another step on the journey to healing and conversion in our church. If I can ever be of assistance or answer any questions in regards to this issue, please feel free to contact me.   
Many Blessings!
 
 

Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship in today’s Gospel. He reminds the great crowds who are following him that the path will not be easy. What are we to make of these words from Jesus that seem harsh and direct? Jesus is clear that he is not looking to be a popular attraction who people can follow casually. To follow the way of Jesus, one must be willing to give up relationships, possessions, and life itself. There is a depth of commitment required of those who choose to follow. We are called to turn away from our former ways and invest ourselves fully in the new life Christ promises us. With the parables Jesus uses in the Gospel, he encourages those who wish to follow him to calculate the cost and reflect on whether they are up for the challenge. But while the road may be demanding, the journey leads to eternal life with Christ.
 
As we strive to bring on-going faith formation opportunities to our parishioners, I want to invite all adults of the parish to be part of our next ALPHA groups which will be forming this fall. Alpha is an international faith formation program that allows participants to learn more about their faith, grow in their relationship with Christ, and deepen their relationship with others. Alpha will be one of the programs our diocese suggests for use in parishes as our Diocesan Visioning Plan is implemented. We are fortunate to already be offering the program. We had about 60 people participate in our first groups last spring and they will provide some of the leadership for our new groups. You can sign up for a group that is convenient for your schedule and invite your spouses and friends to join you. There is no cost for Alpha, only a commitment of your time. More information about Alpha can be found in the bulletin or by contacting Mary Pat Storms.  
 
Get your tickets after Mass to our annual Parish Fiesta (Fiesta Hispana) being held next Saturday, September 14. Hispanic members of our community prepare a variety of delicious food from different countries and provide some fun entertainment for everyone to enjoy. This event gets bigger every year, so you won’t want to miss it. We are grateful for all the ways our Hispanic members share their culture and contribute to the life of our parish.    
 
Be sure to come a little early to Masses next weekend as we will once again be celebrating “Nametag Sunday”. This is a fun way to get to know one another a little better and maybe even learn the names of a few new people. There will be tables set up in the Mulligan Room with nametags as you enter and everyone will be invited to place their name on a nametag and wear it into Mass. Please join us in this community building activity as we strive to make everyone feel welcome.
Many Blessings!    
 
 

We hear in today’s Gospel that Jesus was sharing a meal at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. While there, Jesus comments on all the energy that is put into social status and seeking the places of honor. He says: For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. The path of discipleship is about seeking ways to be a humble servant rather than seeking praise and honor. Humility is a key quality that defined the life of Jesus and so it should be for those of us who call ourselves Christians. We already have all the status we need as children of God, so now we are called to invite others to the banquet through our example and sharing of love. Jesus reminds us that the poor and the needy should hold a special place in our hearts and that we should show special concern for them. And we don’t need repayment for the generosity we extend to others because we have already been given so much through the powerful gift of Christ in our lives.
 
During the month of September, Bishop Johnston has asked all parishes in our diocese to participate in a registration drive for the Missouri Catholic Advocacy Network (MOCAN) of the Missouri Catholic Conference. This is the official public policy agency of the Catholic Church in Missouri. MOCAN is nonpartisan and does not endorse or oppose candidates, but focuses on issues and legislation important to the Catholic faith. By becoming a member of MOCAN, you will receive regular email updates and alerts on pending issues. If you are on our Constant Contact email list, you will receive an email this week with a link to register. In the bulletin next week, there will also be a paper copy of the registration form that can be returned. Please consider joining MOCAN.
    
Please note some important events happening in September. The Fiesta Hispana is being held Saturday, September 14. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our parish to come together and celebrate our diversity through delicious food prepared by our parishioners and lively entertainment. Tickets are on sale this weekend and next weekend.
The OLP Golf Tournament is Friday, September 20. This tournament is hosted by the PTO of our school and supports many student needs throughout the year. Please help make the tournament successful by sponsoring a hole, golfing on a team, or donating an item for the raffle/auction. Consider sponsoring a hole in the name of your family or business. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated.
 
Have a blessed Labor Day weekend. Don’t forget that we have a special Mass for the Labor Day holiday this Monday, September 2, at 9:00am. Please join us as we give God thanks for the blessing of labor and pray that all workers will be treated with dignity and use their gifts to build up God’s kingdom.
Many Blessings!