Pastor’s Corner — October 13th, 2024
Stewardship for Saints and Scholars Campaign Update
I’ve heard very positive reviews of Bishop’s video that was shown at Mass last weekend as we launched the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars Campaign. In fact, multiple people said they were moved to tears by it. If you missed the Bishop’s video, please watch it here. If you missed my pitch for the campaign, you can watch that here.
As I mentioned in my homily this weekend, volunteers will be reaching out in the coming weeks to some members of our parish. Remember that those who are contacting families are volunteers; they have graciously agreed to donate their time and talent for the greater good of this effort because they are passionate about our parish and Catholic education. Please thank them for helping the Church in this important capacity. Thanks ahead of time for your generosity to this consequential initiative!
Safe Haven Sunday: Free Book for Parents on Helping Navigate Online Exposure
From Fr. Joshua: “As I wrote last week, the Diocese is setting aside this weekend, October 12th-13th to celebrate our second annual Safe Haven Sunday in order to provide free resources to assist you with confidently talking to your children about internet dangers, as well as their online and offline choices.
This year’s theme is “Equipping the Family: Having Critical Conversations.” When a parent discovers that his or her child or teenager has been looking at pornography, it can be alarming, hurtful, and even frightening. In the confusion of the moment, it is important for parents to understand that these are not uncharted waters. The most powerful tool we have when it comes to teaching our children about the beauty of their sexuality in the digital age is conversation. Real, honest, “look them in the eyes” conversations about their deep questions. In the digital age, passive parenting is not an option—the internet never rests.”
To equip you, St. Patrick’s has purchased a copy of Covenant Eyes’ book, Confident: Helping Parents Navigate Online Exposure for every family in the parish. Pick up your copy after Mass this weekend or stop by the parish office during the week. This book includes a free seven-day text-to-opt-in program that provides practical tips for caring adults to create safer digital environments for themselves and young people. Simply text SECURE to 66866 to begin receiving guidance today! For more information about this topic, please visit learn.covenanteyes.com/ally-parent/.
Voter’s Guide and Election Preaching Series Starts this Weekend
This weekend Fr. Joshua, Deacon Josh, and I will begin preaching our four-week series on the “The Lay Commitment to the Foundations of the Common Good.” Back in 2020 we preached a similar series that went over the foundations of the common good so as to help us think critically about the common good before we voted in the general election. This weekend’s homily addresses common temptations we can fall into when thinking about how to approach politics and voting as Christians.
The following weeks will offer a more in-depth look on key issues at the heart of how we see the world that are relevant to voting. Please continue to pray the Rosary for our country and even pray the prayer I composed for the Season of Prayer Initiative.
Also, you will find in this bulletin a brief, but excellent voter’s guide published in Faith Magazine by the Chair of the Diocesan Commission on Catholic Social Teaching. Included also is an instructive note from Diocesan Legal Counsel on the critical issue of Religious Freedom. Please read these carefully and share them with other Catholics.
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Mathias