On Being Brothers and Sisters in Christ

This Sunday’s readings begin with the coming of the Lord in Isaiah 35, “Then the eyes of the blind shall see, and the ears of the deaf be opened.” In the Gospel reading from Mark, Jesus is healing a deaf man with a speech impediment. The people were “exceedingly astonished, and they said. ‘He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.’” The people understood that in Jesus, the Lord was very near to them.

At St Therese, we need to be about working for the Kingdom. An e-blast went out last week concerning how you can participate in parish ministry. Please read it and reply to Diane Figaro regarding how you would like to support your parish with your time and talents. If you didn’t get one, please request one from Diane at paa@st-therese.cc.

It is unfortunate that in today’s political climate, our zeal for the Kingdom can lead to showings of partiality. In his letter, James is concerned with communities that catered to the rich but ignored the poor. I don’t see much of that at St. Therese, nor, for that matter, in the other Catholic parishes with which I’m familiar. I am concerned, however, that we ignore anyone who does not agree with our general liberal ethos. We must welcome all, regardless of rich or poor, liberal or conservative or nonpolitical.

There is a roundtable discussion of Laudato Si’ by Archbishop Paul Coakley, Bishop Robert Barron and Bishop Robert McElroy at https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/environment/ .

Ministry Opportunities
To help run our livestream equipment, contact Nicole St. Hilaire at nicoles@st-therese.cc I

f you are interested in seeing, tending or advising on the Parish garden, feel free to stop by or contact Victoria Ries at victoria.ries@comcast.net or 206-915-3479. We would be especially helped by another experienced vegetable gardener.

Parish Collections
Collection so far this fiscal year July 1, 2021 – September 2, 2021.….... $60,458
The budget….…                                                                                             . $61,000
Last year at this time….….                                                                             $65,071