James on the Importance of Doing

This Sunday’s second reading is once again from James, which is an exhortation covering a list of very central but very practical issues that are as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago. Two weeks ago, the reading from James began with “All good giving and every perfect gift is from above.” Last week, we were admonished to “show no partiality as you adhere to the faith”, and this week we have a very pithy rebuke to those who think their devotions are sufficient to fully form their Christian selves.

To be clear, James has no problem with devotions per se. He has a problem with letting your faith end with your devotions. I like the Cursillo movement’s approach to the Christian life: prayer, study and action. Without action, the disciple’s understanding of the other two is lacking. (Conversely, at St. T we may be more often guilty of thinking that our actions are sufficient, but that’s a topic for a different reading.)

At St. Therese, we have plenty of opportunities for you to develop your faith through action. A list of ministry opportunities is available on the home page. Please reply to Diane Figaro regarding how you would like to support your parish with your time and talents. 

And of course, if you really wish the poor to “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” support our St. Vincent de Paul Conference!

Speaking of staying warm – and dry – our Tiny House Project is progressing well. It has four walls complete with windows and doors, a floor and a roof! Construction coordinator Jesse Thompson is expecting it to be completed by September 19. The house will be blessed during the St. Therese Feast Day Celebration on October 3, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. and moved to one of the Low Income Housing Institute’s Tiny House Villages soon thereafter. Thanks also to Walsh Construction for construction supervision and many local businesses for supplies. Donations to both the Tiny House Project and to St. Vincent’s can be made from the home page of st-therese.cc.

Ministry Opportunities
To help run our livestream equipment, contact Nicole St. Hilaire at nicoles@st-therese.cc If you are interested in seeing, tending or advising on the Parish garden, feel free to stop by or contact victoria.ries@comcast.net or 206-915-3479

Parish Collections
July 1, 2021 – September 9, 2021.….... $67,600
The budget….….                                      $67,000
Last year at this time….….                      $66,569