August 26, 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)

MASS SCHEDULE (beginning September 2)

Daily Masses...........................................8:00 AM
Saturday Vigil ........................................4:30 PM
Sunday ....... 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 11 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

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 26, 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 26, 2007

21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

My Dear Friends in Christ,

Last Sunday we had our official beginning of St. Patrick Catholic School.
For the past two years, the "first day" of school has been on a Sunday. As a

Catholic School, starting our academic year with Mass is most appropriate. Parents,
Teachers, Students, Staff and Parishioners gathered to give thanks to God and to pray
for the Lord's continued guidance and blessing. After the Mass there was an open
house for parents to meet their child's new teacher and welcome back/welcome new
families with a pot luck in McCall Hall. This School year has started off with a great spirit of gratitude
and community.

As we celebrate our 50

Anniversary we recognize that our school has been an integral part of our

ministry as a Church. We continue to thank God for his providential care in keeping our
school as a beacon of hope in the Largo area. Some exciting news for this year, through the
generosity of the Demers, parishioners of St. Patrick, our computer lab and technology
component was able to be upgraded. This is great news for the students who will be able to
benefit from this great gift. The new computers and equipment also allowed us to fix up
the older computers from the Lab and get more computers into the individual classrooms.

Also, as I have shared with you before, in our 50 years here in Largo we have not

offered much outreach, beyond financial assistance, to the residents of Rainbow
Village who are our neighbors to the south. With bringing on the Sisters of Our
Lady of Mount Kilimanjaro, last year we were able to develop a relationship with
our nearest neighbors. The Ministry of St. Patrick, headed by Sr. Rosamunda, has
been doing an outstanding job. (Hopefully you saw the article about this ministry in
the current copy of the Florida Catholic). This year, through the generosity of scholarships and
parishioner support, there are six children from Rainbow Village who will be receiving a Catholic
Education. This is something of which we can all be proud. Incidentally, this is a great testimony to our
appreciation for Catholic Education by sponsoring the tuition for a student, who otherwise would not be
able to receive a Catholic education, as a few of our parishioners have done this year. If you are

interested, please call Sr. Veronica at the school.

Since my time as Pastor of St. Patrick I have received, on Monday

mornings within the offertory, a critique of my bulletin letters as well as some
concerns regarding my leadership of the parish. As I have said in the past, I am
always willing to sit down and discuss concerns that one has in reference to St.
Patrick. Sometimes there are misconceptions or false conclusions drawn by
information given in my letter. I would think and hope that one who takes the
time to share these concerns would allow me to respond. However, this usual
person does not sign those concerns, which makes it difficult to respond and

address them. So I would once again ask that if you write a note, please sign it so an adequate response
can be given. Thank you.

Praised Be Jesus Christ!

Fr. Pecchie

JMJ

Please note that we will be returning to our REGULAR SUNDAY SCHEDULE OF MASSES next week.

Beginning Sunday, September 2nd, our Mass Schedule is as follows:

Saturday Vigil: 4:30 PM

Sunday Masses: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM

Our Weekday Mass (Monday through Saturday morning) will remain at 8:00 AM.

First Reading -- Conduct your affairs with

humility (Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29).

Psalm -- God, in your goodness, you have

made a home for the poor (Psalm 68).

Second Reading -- You have approached

the city of the living God (Hebrews
12:18-19, 22-24a).

Gospel -- When you hold a banquet, invite

the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the
blind (Luke 14:1, 7-14).

Do I treat the marginalized

with love and kindness?

Lord, may I become a welcoming disciple

of God's rejected children.

Readings Ahead:

September 2, 2007

22nd Sunday

in Ordinary Time

We are . . . Disciples in Mission

Sharing our Faith in Christ all year!

DISCIPLINE

It is no accident that the words "disciple" and "discipline" are nearly

identical. Their relationship in Christian faith and life, however, has
fallen somewhat out of favor in the past generation, as certain prescribed
Church rules and regulations have been reduced and relaxed. These
rules were often referred to as "disciplines." We are mistaken, however,
to think that it no longer takes discipline to follow Christ. The Letter to
the Hebrews assures us of that today. Our discipline is more like that of
an athlete pursuing a victory or a personal best, or a musician striving
for a concert career or to master a new piece
of music. This discipline comes from desire,
not from regulations. It was the desire to do
the will of God that led Jesus on the path to
his cross. It is that same desire he encourages
in us today: to strive to enter through the
narrow gate, to find ourselves in the kingdom
with a surprising assortment of people who
are there not because of mere observation of
rules, but out of a genuine desire to recline at
the table of the heavenly banquet.

Parish & Evangelization - Page 3

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

ARISH

EWS

Fr. Paul Pecchie

ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH

(727) 584-2318 Tel.

Seminar with Father Mitch Pacwa, S.J.

Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ, renowned priest and lecturer on EWTN
programs, will be coming to our parish.

When:

Saturday, September 22nd

Seminar Subject: "Christianity and Islam"
Time:

After the 7:30 AM Mass

Tickets:

$20 Adults, $10 Students

Children under 12 free

We expect a sold out seminar so pick up a registration form in the
church. You must register in order to reserve your place. If you
have any question about the seminar or can join our team of
helpers, please contact Margie at 559-7449 or Diane at 593-1343.

ITALIAN GALA: To begin our Golden Jubilee year, St.

Patrick Adult Choir is sponsoring an Italian Dinner:

Saturday, September 15th, 6 PM - 9 PM in Msgr. McCall Hall.

Tickets: Adults $6 - Children 10 and under $2

Come join us for an Italian Dinner with entertainment. Tickets on
sale after all Masses: August 26th, September 2nd & 9th or at the
Church office. This is a fundraiser for the choir trip to Canada.

Small Christian

Communities:

Our parish, along with
many others in the Dio-
cese, will be involved in
the Bishop's initiative on
the Eucharist. It is the Bishop's goal,
through this initiative, to help Catho-
lics throughout the Diocese deepen
their relationship to Christ as they
celebrate and reflect on the sacra-
ment of his Body and Blood. This
initiative will begin October 7th with a
six-week faith-sharing program on
the Eucharist, entitled "Eucharist-
Source and Summit". During this
time we will look at the history of the
Eucharist, different aspects of the
Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy
of the Eucharist, as well as Eucharis-
tic devotion. Sign-up for these
groups begin on September 8th and
9th after all Masses. Please prayer-
fully consider joining a group.

On Saturday, September 8th, from 9 AM until 12 noon, we will have a Labor Day Workday
around the church grounds. On Sunday, August 26th and September 2nd, members of St.
Patrick Jubilee Committee will be outside the church signing up parishioners who wish to help.

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 29th

The Great Bible Adventure
Sr. Kathleen

Tuesday evenings at 7 PM

The next adventure begins September 18th at 7
PM in the Conference Room.

RCIA: Are you interested

in the Catholic faith?

RCIA classes begin August 30th at 7 PM in the
Conference Room. 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 next week, September 7th. Hope

to see you all there!

Mr. & Mrs.

Joseph &

Julie Blum

DRE, ext. 320

Have you seen our Web page?

Visit 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 meets on the Third Thursday of
each month.

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

COFFEE TALK with Fr. Pecchie

7:00 PM - 9 PM (CR)

Monday, August 27th

Coffee Talk: Share your thoughts and

opinions and find out what's new and
what's happening in our parish!

unday School is starting up on September 9th for kindergarten through 8th
grade. There will be open registration after all the morning Masses TODAY, August

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.

Catechists Needed!

Children's Liturgy of the Word program is in need
of volunteers who will be willing to lead the
dismissal of 4, 5, and 6 year olds during the 9
o'clock Mass to hear the word of God at their own
level. We will have to cancel this program if we

do not get more help.

We also need aids and substitute catechists for
our Sunday School ERE program. Call Joe or
Julie if you can help.

FOUNDATIONS OF PERSONAL PRAYER:

We meet every Monday at 7 PM in Msgr.

McCall Library (first room on right).

Mission of St. Patrick: We are looking for volunteers who could
sponsor five children from Rainbow Village to attend Sunday
school effective September 9th. Please contact Sr. Rosamunda
at 584-2318 ext. 321.

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 ques-
tions, 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

GREAT NEW BEGINNINGS:

St. Patrick Catholic School Year beginning
was wonderful. The Liturgy, Open House and
PTO Reception were delightful. The first day

of school was filled with energy and excitement. A great big
thank you to so many who did so much to make it all possible.

Because foundation

is everything.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

St. Patrick School Early Child-
hood Program opened as a
result of the greater parish
community's understanding of
the need for a program that
offers learning experiences
and care for 3 and 4 year olds
in a Christian environment.
Applications are being ac-
cepted. For info, call the
school office.

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.

The Senior Youth Group meets Sunday nights after the 5:30 PM Mass in
Msgr. McCall Hall. Youth in high school or older are welcome to attend.

The Maintenance Department is in need of a pick-up
truck to load and transport large items. Our current
truck is 25 years old, 'holey' and
unreliable! If you can help us,
please contact the parish office at
584-2318. Thank you!

VOCATION VIEW

VOCATION VIEW: August 26, 2007 - 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time C

When you choose to follow Jesus, be ready for an ordeal.

Pray that you can be sustained in the adversities of life. (Luke 12:49-53)

Can we call upon your time, talent or treasure to donate meals? You can
either cook a meal or donate pizza or financial contribution. If you can
help, please call Pete or Marie O'Shea at the Parish Office, ext. 322.

Page 6 - Stewardship: Sharing our Gifts

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's reading from Isaiah describes the Israelites bringing their offering to the

Lord "in clean vessels." The gift of myself - my patient endurance and fidelity to

the will of God - is as important as the monetary gift I offer. See Isaiah 66:20

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!

August 19, 2007

$ 8,930.00 (341 Envelopes)

Feast of the Assumption

$ 2,924.00 (191 Envelopes)

Children's Envelopes

$ 4.00 (2 Envelopes)

Helping Hands

$ 354.00

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.

"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 in-
terested, please contact Sue
Tassinari at 585-5546 for
more details.

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. 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 Christmas 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.

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.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 PM
5:30 PM

August 25, 2007
Josephine Harden

August 26, 2007
St. Patrick Parish
Peter Carollo
Elizabeth Pacheco

August 27, 2007
Nicholas Mangin

August 28, 2007
Tony and Mary Russo

August 29, 2007
Richard Klimpel

August 30, 2007
James Maltese

August 31, 2007
Robert Coté

September 1, 2007
Josephine Harden
Josephine Harden

September 2, 2007
Tom Brophy
St. Patrick Parish
Stephen (Pat) Reynolds
Frank Maltese

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
Sgt. Scott Platzer, US Army, South America
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:

Fred Benoit

Yvon Bourque

Bobbie McGovern

Jeffrey Wilson

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.

6:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM

Mon.

7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Tue.

5:00 PM
7:00 PM

Wed.

6:45 AM
9:00 AM

11:00 AM

7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:15 PM

Thu.

9:00 AM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Fri.

7:30 PM

Sat.

3:30 AM
5:30 PM

08/26/07
High School Youth (PC)
Junior High Youth Meeting (YR)
Al-Anon Meeting (Lib)

08/27/07
Pastor's Class (CR)
Foundations of Personal Prayer Mtg. (Lib)
Contemporary Worship Band Rehearsal (CH)

08/28/07
Mission of St. Patrick Class (Lib)
Boy Scout Troop 465 Meeting (Café.)

08/29/07
Men's Bible Study (CR)
Adult Bible Study (CR)
Homeschoolers Mass & Reception (CH,PC)
Charismatic Prayer Group Meeting (CR)
SCC Leadership Team Meeting (PC)
Parish Council Meeting (Lib)

08/30/07
Legion of Mary (Lib)
St. Patrick Players Dance Rehearsal (PC)
RCIA Inquiry Class (CR)

08/31/07
Our Lady's Oratory Prayer Group (CH)

09/01/07
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!

St. Augustine

St. Augustine (354-430)

Feast Day: August 28

St. Augustine was born in northern
Africa in 354. His mother, St. Monica,
was a Christian, but Augustine studied
the pagan classics and lived a
dissolute life until he was 33. Then,
inspired by the preaching of St.
Ambrose, he was baptized, became a
priest, and in 395 was ordained bishop
of Hippo. He is revered as one of the

greatest of the Church Fathers and wrote many letters
and scholarly treatises. In one of these he says, "I tell
you again and again, my brethren, that in the Lord's
garden are to be found not only the roses of the martyrs,
in it also are the lilies of the virgins, the ivy of wedded
couples, and the class of people in despair, thinking that
God has not called them. Christ suffered for all. What
Scriptures say of him is true: He desires all men to be
saved and come to knowledge of the truth." The U.S.
bishops have said much the same thing in their
stewardship pastoral: "People first of all are stewards of
the personal vocations they receive from God." To what
has God called me?

Come, pray with me!

Please consider spending even one hour each Wednesday to be with

Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration, beginning after the morning Mass and concluding with
Benediction at 6:45 PM. Please sign up at the Church entrance. Wednesdays in our Diocese
have been designated as a day to pray for holy vocations to the priesthood.

Eucharistic Adoration

every Wednesday

Handicapped horseback riding
program in desperate need of
volunteers. Mornings and nights
available. Please call Gena at 727-
320-9124.

Beheading of John the Baptist

Feast Day: August 29

Today we remember the martyrdom
of St. John the Baptist. A prophet
who was not afraid to speak the truth
boldly, he had angered the queen by
pointing out the irregularity of her
marriage to Herod. Anger festered
into hate and when she got the
chance, she retaliated and arranged to have him killed.
But John's death, like his life, pointed the way to the
Messiah. St. Bede writes of John, "Through his birth,
preaching, and baptizing, he bore witness to the coming
birth, preaching and baptism of Christ, and by his own
suffering he showed that Christ also would suffer ...
John was baptized in his own blood, though he had
been privileged to baptize the Redeemer of the world ...
But to endure temporal agonies for the sake of the truth
was not a heavy burden for such men as John ... for he
knew eternal joy would be his reward." We probably will
not be asked to suffer martyrdom, but we who have
been baptized into Christ Jesus must also bear witness
to the truth whenever and wherever we have the
opportunity. It is our responsibility as stewards of the
faith.

eight

Watchers

has introduced a

new

"Savings

for

Success" Plan, offered
to interested parties at
St. Patrick Parish. This

is a 17-week meeting series at a special value
beginning in September in the
Conference Room of Msgr.
McCall Hall. We meet on
Wednesdays at 3 PM.

For more information or if

you have any questions, join
us for an informational meeting
on Wednesday September 12th. If you are
interested, contact Rosemary Ingersoll at 584-
5015 or rose35@tampabay.rr.com.