This Labor Day weekend we can reflect on and give thanks for “the work of human hands,” to borrow a phrase from the liturgy. In fact, the word liturgy comes from two ancient words that mean “the work of the people.” Consider the works of the many people that are needed to make the liturgy possible: the authors who wrote the prayers, the composers who gave us the music, the writers who recorded the Word of God, the bookbinders, the artists who inscribed our beautiful Gospel book and the Missal, the furniture makers and candle makers, the farmers who planted and harvested the grain, and the vine-growers who crushed the grapes. The list goes on and on. And then there are all the liturgical ministers whose gifts shape the work they do and the holy work of the entire assembly! Give thanks today for the work of human hands. (Sourcebook, An Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, 2019)

On Saturday, the 31st, Friar James Seiffert, O.F.M. professed his Solemn Vows into the Order of Friars Minor. All of us are so happy for him and thank God for sending this brother to us! Br. James is finishing up his theological studies at the Franciscan School of Theology this year. I know that many of you know him especially for his ministry here before as Director of Docents at the Mission. We will honor Br. James with a special blessing and reception at the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, September 29th. Congratulations, Br. James and all of God’s blessings on your Franciscan journey!

Each year in September, we acknowledge our parish catechists—grade school through adult and RCIA teams. A blessing will take place at the 10:00 a.m. and Noon Masses on Sunday, September 15th. I am thankful for so many dedicated and faithful Christian Formation ministers! We offer them our love and appreciation for all that they do every week during the year!

In closing, our pilgrimage to Europe begins this coming Friday morning. We will remember all of you in our prayers. Please fill out an intention card after Mass today and we will place these prayer cards on the altars of the many holy places we will visit including, the church of St. Anthony in Lisbon, Fatima, Lourdes, La Sagrada Familia, the cathedral of Madrid, Montserrat, Rome, and Assisi! We return on September 25th. Please hold us in prayer as well.

Love, Fr. Vince