In today’s Gospel, Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s words and heals a deaf man with a speech impediment. In Jesus, the deaf hear and the mute speak. Jesus opens our lives to the gift of salvation he offers. Time after time, he astonishes us, like he did the crowds centuries ago. Will we proclaim him as they did?

Our parish celebration of St. Francis Days is rapidly approaching! As a Mission Community, we will celebrate St. Francis on October 3rd with the Memorial of the Passing of St. Francis at 7:00 p.m. in the Mission Church. This lovely service recalls the final hours of the life of St. Francis surrounded by his brothers. In keeping with the tradition that Francis received his favorite almond pastries from Lady Jacoba of Rome shortly before he died, we will gather in the Sacred Garden after the service for almond cookies and other refreshments. Then, on October 4th, The Solemnity of St. Francis, you are invited to a Festive Mass in Serra Center at 7:00 p.m., with a beautiful reception following in the Serra Gardens. The delightful Blessing of Pets will take place on October 6th at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Old Mission. So, please mark your calendars and plan to celebrate these special feast days of our Holy Father, St. Francis of Assisi!

The process for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults begins this coming Wednesday evening. We know that all Christians are baptized into Christ—it is one baptism. So we do not re-baptize Christians from other faith traditions. If they feel called to join us, they will make a profession of faith in the Catholic Church. If you or someone you know would like to follow a call to the Catholic Faith through Baptism or Profession of Faith, then, by all means, please see today’s bulletin for the contact information. As these men and women journey in their life of conversion, we journey with them through prayer and good example.

Finally, today, we begin our parish pilgrimage of the Franciscan Missions of California! Be assured of our prayers for all of your intentions as we gather for Mass each day in these holy places, steeped in Franciscan missionary history and spirit. While I am gone, don’t forget to say your prayers!

Love, Father Vince