Dear Beloved Parishioners,
Right on cue, the steamy summer weather shows up on the Fourth of July, as it seems to always do. (this comes from years of heading downtown for the VP Fair on the Arch grounds…) Toasty is the only word that seems to fit. So, having been crazy enough to walk 18 holes of golf in the heat earlier in the day, I chose the cheating way to watch fireworks – I drove to close to where Rock Hill crosses Highway 44, got out of my car, walked about 150 yards and watched the Webster Groves display from there. (and 10 minutes after the show ended, I am back at my desk… but with a smile on my face and in my heart. I do so love watching the pyrotechnics of the 4th…
But regardless of wherever your Holiday celebration finds you, breathe a prayer of thanksgiving for the freedoms we enjoy. And perhaps let this prayer from today’s Mass find a home in your heart. (I think it is my favorite Collect from the entire Roman Missal) (fyi – Collect is a fancy word for the opening prayer)
“Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for the work that still remains we ask your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth.”
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So, one item on a very somber note. (and there is no easy way to say this)
Michael Kathalynas, husband of Marge Kathalynas, our PSR, Sacramental Prep and Director of Missionary Discipleship staff member, died suddenly today of a pulmonary embolism in the lung. He and Marge had just celebrated their first Anniversary (being married for exactly one year and nine days). If you could storm the heavens for comfort for Marge and the Kathalynas family, and for the repose of Michael’s soul, that would be a huge blessing to her.
The funeral will be here, most likely later in this week. I will keep you informed when I know more.
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In other news, if you were at Mass this weekend here at SJM, you will know that after 48 years in active ministry, and 8 years of a very active ‘retirement’ here, Fr. Johnson is moving to Regina Cleri, the retirement home for Archdiocesan Priests. He joins all but two of his living classmates there, and looks forward to, in his own words, “becoming the monk that he always dreamed he might be able to become.” He will remain here in ‘active retirement’ until the end of July, and then will make the move 5.2 miles up the road to the grounds of the Cardinal Rigali Center, where his new digs are located.
We will celebrate his ministry among us all these years with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, July 30, at 5:00pm, and then adjourn over to the Cafegymatorium for a reception (with food and beverage). Though we have not worked out all the details, if you are able to come, we’d love to have you. And if you could RSVP to the parish staff, that would be helpful as we plan the food and beverage options. (314-843-8482)
Thank you, Fr. Johnson, for your 56 years of priestly ministry. May God bless you abundantly in this next chapter of your service to God’s good people here in the Archdiocese.
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For those with good voices or skills in musical instruments, (though we would love your talents here) the Young Catholic Musicians, (in their 48th year) are holding auditions for kids age 10-17. Auditions are for either the orchestra (string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments) or the choir (SATB) The commitment is to 2 practices a month and leading music at one Mass a month.. contact Fr. Bruce Foreman at revycm@charter.net or 314-231-7464
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So, a picture of the day – taking on Sunday Morning, when I was capturing the rainbow over the church. I think I will title this: “A Cardinal Comes to St. Justin”.
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And the song of the day – the Battle Hymn of the Republic from The United States Army Field Band.
(and if you want to give yourself a real treat (I didn’t intend to do it, but it worked just about perfectly – listen to the above link, while WATCHING the link below (with sound muted – it is a song in Italian?) for a pretty cool experience of fireworks from inside the explosions…)
blessings,
fr. bill