WILL WE BE HIS DISCIPLES?
“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples.” -John 8:31 “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” -Acts 1:8
Being Christ’s disciples is not a given; it doesn’t just happen. Even for us who are baptized it is an attainment, which can only come about through His grace engaging the full cooperation of our will and faculties. The Christian life must not be—as it is for some—a burst of initial enthusiasm which peters out as time goes on, but it must be renewed day by day, Communion by Communion, Confession by Confession, deepening and maturing to the end. Discipleship is not about starting well but rather finishing the race, persevering, remaining in love.
Today’s Gospel drives this home in a stark and strong way. May we welcome its bluntness and take up our cross and renounce all that holds us back from becoming His disciples. To answer Christ’s invitation to discipleship we must be willing to admit that there are many obstacles that can get in the way and keep us from being who He calls us to be and going where He calls us to go. Many are called, few are chosen!
I offer a few miscellaneous notes as we head into September:
+ Next weekend is our Parish Feast Day, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Please come to celebrate with us on Sunday from 10:30 am-2:00 pm in the Holy Cross Courtyard. All of our weekend Masses will be in honor of the Holy Cross of Christ.
+ Our 4:30 pm Saturday vigil Mass at Holy Cross with confessions at 3:45 pm returns this weekend. Welcome back to our regulars and guests! We are looking for parishioners to assist with lectoring, ushering, serving or as sacristans, not only for this Mass but for various Masses. Contact the Parish Office if you feel led to step forward.
+ Please join us for our Preparing for Heaven workshop on Thursday, September 25th, which touches on many important practical and spiritual topics related to truly living our lives as preparation for heaven. Our Stewardship Team is hosting it in concert with the Catholic Community Foundation. We had great feedback from last year’s event which was in the evening. We are planning this year’s workshop as a daytime event in hopes that more of our retired parishioners from all campuses can attend, but it truly is for those of all ages and backgrounds, to learn for yourselves or for your loved ones. See Flocknote or page 6 of this bulletin for more details and to register. Door prizes and some fun entertainment will be part of the gathering which will conclude with a free catered lunch.
+ Looking to early October, plan to attend a dramatic comedy, Fairest Follies, on the St. Clement stage the weekend of October 2-5. This is our fourth theatrical production in recent years but St. Clement had a long history of community theatre which is being revived! This is part of our commitment to the arts and the Way of Beauty. Stay tuned for details on tickets.
+ Mark your calendars for a St. Clement Feast Day Weekend including a Benefit Dinner and festive Mass for Christ the King the weekend of November 22 and 23d. Our prayers and loving solidarity continue in these days for the people of Annunciation Parish and School. May Our Lady be close and wrap her loving mantle around all who grieve and are distressed. Lord, please give us the grace to be your disciples always!
-Fr. Howe