Dear Parish Family,
We conclude our Eucharistic discourse Gospels from John 6 after this weekend. Confronted with the choice to believe in the Eucharist as the real Body and Blood of Jesus, many walk away, but Simon Peter has a different response…he says, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."
 
There is much to reflect on here. As the majority of the crowd walk away because of their lack of faith, Jesus asks His twelve closest friends if they too will walk away. Simon Peter speaks up for them by affirming his humble faith. Notice he doesn't say that he understands everything Jesus says about eating His Body and drinking His Blood and therefore believes, but that even in his lack of understanding He chooses to believe and trust in what Jesus says.
 
As I wrote last week, Jesus' call doesn't abandon reason but fulfills it. By choosing with Simon Peter to trust Jesus even when we don't understand Him, we are choosing to live in and with Christ who gives His life as a self-gift to all. When we see people around us taking from others to gain more, or giving so that they might receive something back, we need to keep front and center the Gospel of Christ to make our lives a gift with Him so that we might stay surrendered to His Eucharistic mystery of love.
 
You and I are confronted with a Eucharistic choice this day, and at every moment of our lives. Whom will we serve? To whom shall we go? We can choose with Simon Peter to serve God by making our lives a gift with Jesus Christ, or we can choose with the crowds to walk away from Christ and do our own thing. I realize this choice seems blunt, but that's only because we tend to look for exceptions to excuse ourselves from living Christ's life in our daily life. In reality, Christ calls me and you right here and now to a choice to live a life of self-giving love that is coherent and consistent with what we believe, receive, and live in the Eucharist.
 
Candidate for Diaconate Formation: Jerry Joyce
I am pleased to announce that Jerry Joyce, a 4th year candidate in formation for the permanent diaconate, will be with us this year, assisting at Masses and participating at some of our parish events. Jerry and his family are from St. Helen's in Newbury. Please see Jerry's photo and introduction in today's bulletin, and welcome Jerry to our parish when you see him!
 
Sponsor Requests
We occasionally have families that have trouble finding sponsors for their children for Baptism or Confirmation. We would like to create a list of parishioners who would be willing to step in to serve the role of sponsor as the need arises. The family would agree to let the sponsor stay in touch with the child making his or her Sacraments, and the sponsor would agree to pray for and support the life of faith for the child. Sponsors must be at least 16 years of age, have received all Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), be a practicing Catholic attending Sunday Mass every week as well as Holy Days of Obligation, and, if married, the marriage must be valid in the Catholic Church. Please contact our parish office if you would like to be considered for this important role.
 
Oktoberfest
Remember to come to our Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 15! We start with Polka Mass at 12 pm, and festivities follow from 1-7 pm. Please volunteer at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FACA729A0F5C07-50335831-oktoberfest

Visit our Oktoberfest page for ​up to date information.
 
I am yours in Christ,
Fr. Scott Goodfellow