Hard to believe it is already September. In the Philippines, (I know you will laugh at me) but when we hear the beginning of the month that ends with ber, we believe it is the time to begin thinking of the celebration of Christmas. And so, you will hear people from homes, business establishments like shopping malls and restaurants, playing Christmas songs. Before December begins, you will see a lot of homes, parks and streets already decorated with Christmas decorations. Isn’t that crazy? Personally, if you asked me how this idea began, I actually would have to tell you that I don’t know. It’s nice that here in America, we observe every season and holiday rightfully.
This first week of September we have three events that give us an opportunity to be with our family, to be with the Lord and to be with our parish community.
First, Monday, September 3rd, we will celebrate Labor Day. I am sure everybody is happy because it is a welcomed day off from work for those who work and a day off for those who attend school. Families can enjoy a day of bonding either at home or at some closer place ideal for this celebration.
Second, Friday, September 7th is First Friday. We have the regular schedule of the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in honor of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar immediately following the morning mass, from 8:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. I invite all of you to spend time with the Lord, praying especially for the sanctification of the priests and the Church as we have been bombarded for the past few weeks with news and reports about sexual abuse and scandal in the Church. We pray that justice may be served and the truth may prevail, that the good may triumph over evil in this difficult and challenging time.
Third, as a parish family being grateful to our 192 years of parish existence and faithfully remembering our beginning, we are having a parish picnic on Sunday, September 9th, at the Renshaw Farm. Being Sunday, our 11:00 A.M. mass will be celebrated there. After mass, food will be served where we can enjoy each other’s company and have fellowship. Also, it is the perfect time to welcome and get to know our new members in our parish community.
As a parish, we try to provide an avenue where we can build a strong family anchored in God and in our community for they are vital in our life’s journey.