August 5, 2007

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Reverend Paul Pecchie, Pastor

Reverend Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

Deacon Richard Brady, Deacon Ralph Bufano

Deacon Kenneth Spaulding (Winter Months)

Retired Assisting Priests

Reverend Monsignor Richard Cahill

Reverend Kenneth Bonadies

Reverend Bernard MacAdam (Winter)

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE

Daily Masses...........................................8:00 AM
Saturday Vigil ........................................4:30 PM
Sunday .............8:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM

Music Director:

Mrs. Paulette King ........................................ x 316

Sacristans:

Sr. Lucy Mbuya, CDNK ................................ x 304
Sr. Castissima Masambo, CDNK.................. x 304

Directors of Religious Education:

K-8th grade: M/M Joseph & Julie Blum......... x 320
Adult: Sr. Kathleen Luger, OSC .................... x 321

Outreach Ministries:

Sr. Rosamunda Massawe, CDNK................. x 321
Ms. Claire Obordo ........................................ x 302

Youth Ministry:

H.S.: M/M Pete & Marie O'Shea ................... x 322

Jr. High: M/M Robert & Sue Tassinari ......... x 322

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 5, 2007 A.D.

1507 Trotter Road, Largo, FL 33770

Mailing Address:

2121 - 16th Ave. SW, Largo, FL 33770

Parish Office: (727) 584-2318

Fax: (727) 586-5413

Website: www.stpatrick-largo.org

Confessions are heard on Saturdays, 3:30 and
5:30 PM (also on Wednesdays before First Friday;
8:30 AM for the summer).

Baptisms are arranged at least two months in
advance by calling the parish office.

Marriages are scheduled with the priest at least six
months ahead of time.

Anointing of the Sick: If you anticipate a hospital
stay, please ask to be anointed prior to
hospitalization at one of the daily Masses. In case of
an emergency, please call at any hour. The infirm
may call the parish office to arrange for a priest to
anoint them at home.

Visits to the Homebound: Our Eucharistic
Ministers bring Holy Communion to our homebound
parishioners, usually on a weekly basis. Please call
the parish office if you are not able to attend Mass.

Parish Registration is done by attending a
Welcome Meeting and Breakfast. Please call the
parish office for details.

School Principal:

Sr. Veronica Visceglia, SSND .................581-4865

St. Patrick School, founded in 1959, provides an
excellent academic program to grades preK-8, in a
Christ-centered environment which nurtures each
student in mind, body and soul.

AINT

ATRICK

ATHOLIC

HURCH

Page 2 - Sunday, August 5, 2007

18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

My Dear Friends in Christ,

In the upcoming weeks I would like to address with you certain writings

that have come out from the Vatican. On July 7, 2007, Pope Benedict issued a
motu proprio

entitled Summorum Pontificum. A motu proprio is the name

given to a papal document that is written by the pope on his own initiative and addressed
to the entire Church. The name of the Apostolic Letter comes from the first two words of
the Latin text. Pope Benedict also wrote a letter to all bishops that accompanies the motu
proprio

. The subject of these papal documents is the celebration of what has been termed

the "Old Latin Mass," "The Tridentine Mass" or the "Pre-Vatican II Mass." Technically,
its proper name is the Missale Romanum published most recently under the authority of
Blessed Pope John XXIII in 1962.

By issuing this motu proprio, Pope Benedict is authorizing a wider use of The Tridentine Mass. He begins by

putting his remarks in a greater historical context by noting that there has been an organic development of the Mass
down through the centuries. He highlights some of the Church's great liturgical movements, specifically the 7th
century developments under St. Gregory the Great, who introduced a type of chant that bears his name, and the 16th
century liturgical reforms of Pius V, bringing to fruition the decrees of the Council of Trent. The Mass, as it was
authorized by St. Pius V, remained virtually unchanged until the time of Vatican Council II (1962-65). But as with
all things that are alive, there had been a healthy organic evolving of the Rite over the ages.

The fathers of Vatican Council II felt the call to renew and adapt the Mass to the need of our time. Thus, Pope

Paul VI, in 1970 approved the celebration of the Mass that we are all familiar with today. Pope Benedict makes it
very clear that the Mass promulgated by Paul VI "is the ordinary expression of the `Lex orandi' (law of prayer) of
the Catholic Church of the Latin Rite. Nevertheless, the Roman Missal (Mass) promulgated by St. Pius V and
reissued by Blessed John XXIII is to be considered as an extraordinary expression of that same `Lex orandi', and
must be given due honor for its venerable and ancient usage...They are, in fact, two usages of the one Roman Rite."
Here our Holy Father is doing two necessary things: First, he is reaffirming the authority of Vatican II by referring
to the current Mass as ordinary or normative. The Church is not trying to recapture the past as if the present is bad
or wrong. Second, he is also countering critics who say that by allowing the celebration of the Tridentine Mass, it
will cause divisiveness among the faithful. In his letter to the bishops of the world, he clearly states that these fears
are "unfounded." Both Masses are two expressions of the "one Roman Rite."

It is important to understand that the Tridentine Mass was never banned as a result of Vatican Council II.

Unfortunately, it fell into disuse as Mass in the vernacular (native languages of individual countries) and other
liturgical changes (sometimes abuses and other aberrations that were never intended by the Council fathers) swept
across parishes and dioceses like wildfire. However, there have always been members of the lay faithful who have
desired to worship with the Tridentine Mass. Both in 1984 and 1988, Pope John Paul II made certain allowances
for the Old Latin Mass to be said. What Pope Benedict is doing is reaffirming what has already been allowed, but
now granting a more generous and wider use of this sacred expression of the Mass. Basically, he has removed
some of the `red tape' that restricted its celebration. He has also made it clear that those who do not accept the
Mass as we currently have it are not in full communion with the Church (such as the Society of St. Pius X, who
only believe that the Tridentine Mass is the only valid form of the Mass).

Pope Benedict says in his letter to all the bishops, "In the history of the liturgy there is growth and progress,

but no rupture. What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too, and it cannot be all
of a sudden entirely forbidden or even considered harmful. It behooves all of us to preserve the riches which have
developed in the Church's faith and prayer, and to give them their proper place."

The pope understands that for

many local parishes, the celebration of the Tridentine Mass is not currently possible. Either, there is no pastoral
need for it, or there is a lack of priests who are trained and properly formed to offer it. The pope says that the
celebration of the Tridentine Mass "presupposes a certain degree of liturgical formation and some knowledge of
the Latin language; neither of these is found very often. Already from these concrete presuppositions, it is clearly
seen that the new Missal

(our current Mass) will certainly be the ordinary Form of the Roman Rite... because of

the actual situation of the communities of the faithful" (letter to Bishops).

Nevertheless, where there is a

reasonable need for the Tridentine Mass to be offered and where there are priests properly trained to offer it, it is to
be fostered and nurtured as a legitimate form of worship in the Catholic Church, a sacred treasure very much worth
preserving.

Currently, I do not foresee that there will be a need for the celebration of this Mass at St. Patrick, however, I am

not opposed to it either. Should there be a desire of the faithful for this form of celebration,
please let me know. It would require the need for me to be trained in this form of worship, as
well as training altar boys and getting proper vestments. Like our Holy Father, I am more
concerned with the celebration of our current Mass being done so with the dignity and the
reverence that is imperative for the true worship of God. Let us renew our worship through the
celebration of the Eucharist by being properly disposed, attentive and with a spirit of reverent
awe!

Praised be Jesus Christ,

Fr. Pecchie

JMJ

First Reading -- When you punished our

adversaries, you glorified us whom you
had summoned (Wisdom 18:6-9).

Psalm -- Blessed the people the Lord has

chosen to be his own (Psalm 33).

Second Reading -- By faith Abraham

sojourned

the

promised

land

(Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 [1-2, 8-12]).

Gospel -- Do not be afraid any longer,

little flock, for your Father is pleased to
give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32-48
[35-40]).

Am I prepared for the second coming

of Christ, or can I improve on present

habits and offer more of my self to the

poor, the suffering and the elderly?

Readings Ahead:

August 12, 2007

19th Sunday

in Ordinary Time

We are . . . Disciples in Mission

Sharing our Faith in Christ all year!

HITTING IT BIG

It seems to be commonly accepted nowadays that everyone

wants to win the lottery, hit the slots big at the casino, or be a
millionaire. This attitude is akin to what the first hearers of the
parable of the successful farmer would have thought: why, of
course he'd want to find a way to preserve his good fortune for the
future, to secure for himself a life of leisure, eating, drinking, and
merriment. It's exactly the kind of life that
the right ticket, hand of cards, or quiz show
answer might bring us today. Being
surrounded by this "common wisdom"
makes the words of Qoheleth, the psalmist,
Paul, and Jesus all that much harder to
hear today. Perhaps good fortune will be
ours, perhaps it will not be. But if we make
that fortune or the quest for it the heart, the
very center, of our lives, then we will live to
regret it. We will not achieve the future
security we pursue, and we will lose the
present moment in the chase.

Parish & Evangelization - Page 3

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

ARISH

EWS

Fr. Paul Pecchie

ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH

(727) 584-2318 Tel.

Fr. Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

2121 - 16th Avenue SW, Largo, FL 33770

(727) 586-5413 Fax.

FROM OUR MINISTRY OF

HELPING HANDS:

Our Food Pantry is in desperate
need of jelly, peanut butter, canned
meat and pasta. If
you can help us
help others in need
in our local area,
please do! We
thank you for your
generosity!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

T h a n k

y o u t o

a l l t h e

parishioners who took part in
the Junior Youth Group

carwash. The
money earned
and donated will
be used for the
service projects
performed

the group.

St. Patrick Players

need your support!

The community enthusiasm and support for the Last Supper Tableau

held this past Lenten season has given birth to a new play 'The Christ-
mas Offering' to be presented in December.

This production will include an exciting combination of drama, music

and dance which will be a new experience for St. Patrick Parish.

If you are a patron of the arts and share St. Patrick Players vision of

having different age groups work together, please call Paul Friederich at
727-581-2168 with your donation. Whether large or small, your donation
will be used to upgrade our lighting and sound capabilities which will
provide the best audience experience.

FEAST OF

ST. CLARE

The Sisters of St.
Clare cordially in-
vite you, your fam-
ily and friends to
join us in a joyous
Mass of Thanks-
giving celebrating
the life and works
of our foundress, St. Clare of As-
sisi, on the Feast of St. Clare,
Saturday, Aug. 11, at 10:30 A.M.
here at St. Patrick's. A reception
will follow immediately after the
Mass in the Msgr. McCall Hall.

VOCATION VIEW

VOCATION VIEW:

August 5, 2007

Sunday in Ordinary Time C

Spend your life growing rich in

the sight of God. That's what

counts. How will you do this?

(Luke 12:13-21)

All for the Greater Honor & Glory of God

Page 4 - Faith Formation

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Men's Bible Study Group
Robert Smith

6:45 AM - 7:30 AM (CR)

(ph. 587-7961)

Every Wednesday

Adult Bible Study: The Gospel of Luke
Sr. Kathleen

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (CR)

Wednesday, August 8th

The Great Bible Adventure
Sr. Kathleen

Tuesday evenings at 7 PM

The Adventure begins again in the Fall. Keep an
eye on this space for future dates!

RCIA: Are you interested

in the Catholic faith?

RCIA Inquiry classes continue August
9th. We invite you to learn what the

Church teaches and be introduced to some of our parish
members. These sessions are also opportunities for you,
and others that you may wish to invite, to ask those
difficult questions about the Church. These gatherings
are open to people who are not baptized, those who have
been baptized in another Christian community and seek
full reception into the Catholic Church, and for those who
were baptized as Catholics but have not received the
sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist. For more
information contact Sr. Kathleen at 584-2318 ext. 321.

St. Patrick's Religious Education

Religious Education (K-8) Sundays, 10:30 - 11:45 AM

Small Faith Sharing Group
Barb Murphy 10 AM - 11:30 AM (CR)

Friday mornings

Resumes in September. Have a blessed and

safe summer!

Mr. & Mrs.

Joseph &

Julie Blum

DRE, ext. 320

Have you seen our Web page? It is filled with lots of information and photographs.

Visit our St. Patrick Parish website www.stpatrick-largo.org today!

Going Deeper With Your Faith

Adult Education and Faith Formation

Religious

Ed.

ibrary

Book

Club News: Follow

the signs to the library
in McCall Hall and be
pleasantly

surprised!

Stay to read, or sign out books,
tapes, music CDs and periodicals.
Our monthly book club is reading
Ann Rice's "Christ the Lord out of
Egypt." We will discuss it
at noon with sandwiches
in hand on the 16th of
August.

Call Florence at

595-3254 or René at 584-
3775 for more information.

"A CHRISTMAS OFFERING" - A MUSICAL PLAY!

Our musical Christmas play is on its way and we are still looking
for more singers. For more information, call Paulette King at 584-
2318, ext. 316.

The drama auditions and rehearsals for this

Christmas production will begin in September. The play will be
under the direction of Betty Archer who gave us a moving
experience with "The Last Supper" on Palm Sunday night. For
more info, contact Paulette King or Sr. Kathleen Luger, and
consider getting involved in our celebration!

DANCE AUDITIONS

We are looking for people who LOVE TO DANCE and
would like to be a part of the Christmas play. You must
be 9 years of age or older. If interested, please contact
Sue Tassinari at 585-5546 for more details.

PASTOR'S CLASS with Fr. Pecchie

7:00 PM - 9 PM (CR)

Monday, August 6th

Join us this week as we continue to

examine our Holy Father's encyclical,
Sacramentum Caritatis.

unday School is starting up on Sept. 9th for kindergarten through 8th grade. There
will be open registration after all the morning masses on Aug. 19 and 26th for

students who have not yet registered and for those children seeking the sacraments of
Confession, Communion and Confirmation this year. If you have any questions call
Joseph or Julie Blum.

School & Youth - Page 5

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Principal:

Sr. Veronica

Visceglia,

SSND

Jr. High Youth Ministers:

Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Sue Tassinari, ext. 322

. P

ATRICK

ATHOLIC

CHOOL

ELEBRATING

OVER

YEARS

XCELLENCE

DUCATION

, L

EADERSHIP

& S

ERVICE

St. Patrick Catholic Youth

UNIOR

OUTH

ROUP

The Junior Youth Group meets on Sunday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the
Youth Room. Newcomers are always welcome! If you have any questions,
please call Sue & Bob at 585-5546.

IND

, O

EART

, O

PIRIT

ENIOR

IGH

OUTH

ROUP

"By This Sign, You Will Conquer"

H.S. Youth Ministers:

Mr. & Mrs. Pete & Marie O'Shea, ext. 322

SCHOOL RE-OPENS:

Monday, August 20

Noon Dismissal (with Extended Care until 6 PM)

Tuesday, August 21

Noon Dismissal (with Extended Care until 6 PM)

Wednesday, August 22

Full Day of School

Back to School - High School Youth Gathering

Sunday, August 19th

6:30 PM in Msgr. McCall Hall

All teens entering or in High School are welcome! Join us!

Gracie's Big Splash

Please join us for a very special event for Gracie Purdy, a 5 year old
girl who was planning on attending Kindergarten and St. Cecelia's
School and is very ill.

In addition to your prayers, we want you and your family to get wet
and wild at the Dimmitt Community Center on Sunday, August 12

from 6 PM to 9 PM. Join us for all sorts of water slides, games and

activities, along with great fellowship. Donation for entry is $10.00 per person. Food and beverages will be
available. All proceeds will be donated to the Gracie Purdy Assistance Account. For questions, please call
Kathy Helmus at 423-2612 or Karla Rettstatt at 424-7047.

REGISTRATION for

2007-2008 SCHOOL

YEAR:

Registrations are being
accepted for all grades

(PreK - 8). St. Patrick is a fully
accredited, Christ-centered
environment, known for
academic excellence. For
information, please call the
school at (727) 581- 4865.

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE:

The School Mass and Open
House for the new school year will
be Sunday, August 19 at 2 PM.
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergar-
ten Orientation and Open House
for Grades 1-8 will be held after
Mass in the classrooms. Immedi-

ately following these events, the PTO will host a Pot
Luck Reception for all new and returning families in
the Msgr. McCall Parish Center. Join us for these
great events!

Page 6 - Stewardship: Sharing our Gifts

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus urges us to be rich in what matters to God.

The psalmist warns us against hardening our hearts.

Are our hearts open to what really matters?

TEWARDSHIP

: T

IME

, T

ALENT

, T

REASURE

Thank you for your

generous support

for our parish!

God bless you!

Your generosity helps support our parish operating expenses and our

ministries each week, so that we may serve you, our parishioners, better!

July 29, 2007

$ 9,278.20 (333 Envelopes)

Children's Envelopes

$ 1.25 (1 Envelope)

Helping Hands

$ 296.00

elebrate St. Patrick Church's Golden Jubilee ...

by joining Fr.

Pecchie on a special tour of IRELAND

IRELAND

IRELAND September 15-25, 2008.

Journey with us as we travel in the footsteps of St. Patrick, and see his impact

upon Irish faith and culture. Educational Opportunities Tours presents an

exciting and educational 11-day experience for approximately $2698* . Cost

includes roundtrip airfare from New York, first class hotels, traditional Irish

breakfast and Dinner daily, guided sightseeing via deluxe motor coaches and

entrance fees. SAVE when you register with a deposit of $250.

SAVE when you register with a deposit of $250.

SAVE when you register with a deposit of $250. Please

contact Margie Feuser, pilgrimage coordinator, for more information at 1-800-644-4659.

328 families in our parish have made a gift or pledge to the 2007 An-
nual Pastoral Appeal. Our parish goal is to have 100% participation.
Please prayerfully consider supporting the Annual Pastoral Appeal with
a pledge or one-time gift. Convenient ten-month payment plans are
available. The ministries, activities and programs serve people through-
out the Diocese and in our parish.

Thank you to all who have participated in this year's Annual Pastoral Appeal.

2007 APA

Assessment $117,247.00

- Pledged

$85,986.44

Balance

$ 31,260.56

Spanish Rosary the second Wednesday of each month

St Patrick's Hispanic community invites you to join them as they recite the rosary in
Spanish the second Wednesday of the month. The next session is on Aug 8th, at 7
p.m. at the church. Pope John Paul II wrote, "To pray the Rosary is to hand over our
burdens to the merciful hearts of Christ and His Mother." We invite the entire commu-
nity to join us. If you have questions please contact Nina Meyers at 727-595-1395 or
Liz Hogrebe at 727-595-2874.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

El Santo Rosario en Español el segundo miércoles de cada mes

La comunidad Hispana de San Patricio el invita a recitar el Santo Rosario en Español
el segundo miércoles de este mes. El dia 08 de augusto a las 7 de la tarde en la igle-
sia. El Papa Juan Pablo II escribió, "Cuando orarmos el Rosario entregamos nuestras
cargas a los corazones misericordiosos de Cristo y Su Madre". Invitamos a la entera
comunidad a participar. Si tiene preguntas por favor llamen a Nina Meyers en 727-595-
1395 o a Liz Hogrebe en 727-595-2874.

Mass Intentions & Schedule of Events - Page 7

Parish Meeting Rooms:

Art = Art Room (School Jubilee Building); Cafe =

School Cafeteria; CH = Church, CR = Conference Room in Msgr. McCall Hall;
FLD = Field; MC = Media Center; MR = Music Room (School Jubilee Build-
ing); PE-A/B = PE portables; OLM = Office of Liturgical Music; PC = Msgr.
McCall Hall; PCLib = Msgr. McCall Library; REL = Religion Room (old Span-
ish Room); RE Office = Religious Education Office in PC; YR = Youth Room

Mass Intentions

The Week Ahead

Sat.

4:30 PM

Sun.

8:00 AM
10:00 AM
5:30 PM

Mon.

8:00 AM

Tue.

8:00 AM

Wed.

8:00 AM

Thu.

8:00 AM

Fri.

8:00 AM

Sat.

8:00 AM
4:30 PM

Sun.

8:00 AM
10:00 AM
5:30 PM

August 4, 2007
Bernie Drake

August 5, 2007
Kevin Barton
Peter Moran
St. Patrick Parish

August 6, 2007
Irene Filippazzo

August 7, 2007
Josephine Harden

August 8, 2007
Lt. James Zorowski

August 9, 2007
Cathy Lenke

August 10, 2007
Kevin Barton

August 11, 2007
Josephine Garden
Joseph Brogataj

August 12, 2007
Tom Brophy
Maria Rey (Living)
St. Patrick Parish

Pray for our Military

Pvt. Rose Barton, US Army, Missouri
Staff Sgt. William J. Condon, US Army, New York
Second Lt. Tara Dawe, US Army, New York
Lt. Comm. Shawn D. Fitzpatrick, USN, Virginia
Sgt. Jason A. George, US Army, Korea
Lance Corporal Jorge Granados, USMC, Florida
Sgt. Joshua Harmon, Kentucky
Pvt. Joshua Harrison, US Army, Louisiana
Staff Sgt. Matthew Hicks, U.S. Army, Missouri
Airman Ryan Hines, US Air Force
Lt. Jr. William J. Howey, III, USN, Connecticut
Sgt. Anthony Jordan, US Army Calvary, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Kevin Kinkade, US Army, Kentucky
Pvt. 1st Class Nick Krege, USMC, Iraq
Specialist Daniel McCarley, US Army, Florida
Airman 1st Class Kevin McCarley, USAF, Germany
Ensign Christopher McDowell, USN, Iraq
Airman Theresa Newbill, US Air Force, Texas
Pvt. Chris Reed, USMC, Iraq
Major Kristin Streukens, US Air Force
Major Scott Trapman, US Army, Fort Lewis, WA
Major Michael Trofinoff, US Army, Iraq
Staff Sgt. Saturnino Vilano, Jr., US Army, Afghanistan
Airman Christopher E. Villano, USN, Maryland
Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, USAF, Iraq

Please pray for the members of our St.
Patrick Parish family and friends who
have died recently, especially:

Robert Kinnaman

Steven Behrman

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let
perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in
peace. May their souls and the souls of all the
faithful departed rest in peace.

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

SHARE-A-PRAYER:

If you or someone you know needs
special prayers, let us pray for you
and your loved ones. Phone 584-
6954 and together we will lift our
hearts to God!

Sun.

9:00 AM

11:00 AM

7:00 PM
7:30 PM

Mon.

7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Tue.

5:00 PM
7:00 PM

Wed.

6:45 AM
8:30 AM
9:00 AM
6:45 PM
7:00 PM

Thu.

7:00 PM
8:00 PM

Fri.

7:30 PM

Sat.

10:30 AM

3:30 PM
5:30 PM

08/05/07
Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast (PC)
Baptism Class (MC)
Junior High Youth Meeting (YR)
Al-Anon Meeting (Lib)

08/06/07
Pastor's Class (CR)
Contemporary Worship Band Rehearsal (CH)

08/07/07
Mission of St. Patrick Class (Lib)
Respect Life Meeting (CR)

08/08/07
Men's Bible Study (CR)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH)
Bible Study Meeting (CR)
Benediction (CH)
Charismatic Prayer Group Meeting (CR)

08/09/07
RCIA Class (CR)
Knights of Columbus Meeting (Café.)

08/10/07
Our Lady's Oratory Prayer Group (CH)

08/11/07
Mass for Sisters of St. Clare (CH)
Confessions (CH)
Confessions (CH)

Page 8 - `Round the Diocese, Plan Ahead & Saints 'N Feasts

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Diocesan Announcements

TRIP TO EWTN

(Eternal Word Television Network)

October 1 - 4, 2007

Join us for a Spiritual /
educational

pilgrim-

age to the Shrine of
the Blessed Sacra-
ment in Hanceville,
Alabama The trip includes a visit
to the Shrine, a tour of EWTN as

well as being a guest on an EWTN
live program. Lodging will be at
St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman.
The cost is $335. If you are inter-
ested contact Ann Marie at 847-
9060, or Sr. Kathleen at 584-
2318 ext. 321.

Come pray with us!

Mission of St. Patrick: We would highly appreciate any donation in terms of new/used school
uniforms and other school supplies for families who cannot afford for their school age children.
Donations can be brought to the Religious Education Office in the Msgr. McCall Hall. For more
detailed information, please contact Sr. Rosamunda at 584-2318, ext. 321.

St. Clare of Assisi

St. Clare of Assisi (1193 - 1253) Feast Day: August 11

St. Clare was a friend and companion of St. Francis of Assisi. Born into a wealthy family,
St. Clare refused to marry when she was 15, and several years later she slipped away at
night to join St. Francis and his small band of Franciscans. She and her sister, Agnes, were
the first members of the Second Order of St. Francis, later known as the Poor Clares. They
lived a simple life of great poverty and almost complete silence in a house adjacent to San
Damiano. St. Francis named St. Clare the first abbess of the Order, an office she held for
the rest of her life. She was much admired for her simplicity and piety, and bishops,

cardinals, and even popes came to consult her. So revered was she, that she was canonized just two years
after her death. She renounced almost all of the "creature comforts" we take for granted and devoted herself
to service and prayer. Few of us may find ourselves called to sacrifice so much, but all can find an inspiring
example in the committed simplicity of the good steward. St. Clare, pray for us!

Feast of the Transfiguration

Feast Day: August 6

Peter, James, and John believed
in Jesus. They believed so
completely that they had willingly
left behind their former lives
t h e i r

r e l a t i o n s h i p s

a n d

livelihoods to follow him. They
had heard him preach, had seen
him turn water into wine and
restore sight to the blind. Peter

had even declared with sudden understanding, "You are
the Messiah." But somehow none of that prepared them
for this mountain-top experience, seeing the Lord,
transfigured and dazzling in all his glory, and hearing the
voice of God saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen One.
Listen to him." They were dumbstruck and uncertain
about what to do next. Eager, enthusiastic disciples,
their first impulse was to do something to mark the
event. But to be good stewards of this spiritual gift, they
were instructed instead to be still, to listen to Jesus, and
to wait for his directions. That's good advice and good
stewardship for today's disciples, too.

St. Dominic

St. Dominic (1170 - 1221)

Feast Day: August 8

St. Dominic was born in Spain and began his ministry as the canon of a cathedral. But his focus shifted
when he encountered the Albigensians, heretics who denied the truth of the Incarnation and the validity of the
sacraments. To counter this heresy, St. Dominic became a preacher and gathered
around him a group of like-minded companions. The Order of Preachers (or
"Dominicans") practiced personal and community poverty, devoted themselves to
preaching the Gospel, and believed in thorough and diligent study of Scriptures. A
capable and inspiring preacher, St. Dominic was a living example of the holiness he
preached. "Wherever he went he showed himself in word and deed to be a man of the
Gospel. During the day no one was more community-minded or pleasant to his brothers
and associates. During the night hours no one was more persistent in every kind of vigil
and supplication. He seldom spoke unless it was with God, this is, in prayer, or about
God." This steward saint used his talents to combat the heresies of his day. How are we
using our gifts to meet the needs of the Church in our time?