I'll begin where I left off last Sunday, which was an error on my part. I ended my message with the wrong date for the Mass for the Unborn will be on Friday, September 30th, not the 27th as I had mistakenly said. This Friday evening mass will lead us into Respect Life Weekend, always the first weekend of October. This year's theme, taking a cue from the Jubilee Year, is "Moved By Mercy."
Coinciding with the national program of the US Bishops is our local participation in the 40 Days for Life Campaign. From September 28th to November 6, pro-life supporters will be engaged in fasting, prayer, community outreach and witness. Last year a small group gathered at a nearby abortion clinic for one hour after our noon mass. We are planning to do something similar this year. More on that next week. In the meantime, be thinking about ways you can be renewed in witnessing for life.
Our annual Time and Talent celebration is a week away. You noticed in last week's bulletin our extensive list of ways you can strengthen our parish and your own personal life of faith. I ask that you not be in a hurry to leave church next weekend, but spend a few minutes walking among the various displays in our parish hall. Listen for the little inward tug that may be God's way of telling you that it is time to commit to one (or more) of these groups and activities.
Finally, thank you for your support of the priests' retirement fund.