Thank you to all those who inquire and who have prayed for me the past year. Between the back surgery and the depression, it has been a difficult year for me but your constant support and prayers have encouraged me and helped me. I am well on the way to full recovery (although I tend to forget that I shouldn’t carry anything too heavy, e.g golf clubs).

I look forward to the Sabbatical that starts in August. Although I plan to make a cameo appearance at Christmas, I should be back full time at the beginning of February. This is my first long break from Parish work in over fifteen years so I am looking forward to a retreat, a few good books, a little golf and just sitting around with no responsibilities.

As I mentioned before, I know I am leaving the Parish in good hands with Fr. Jim Morris being the Administrator. As you have with me, I know that you will support him and the others on the Parish staff. Thank you.

A few weeks ago my deacon classmates celebrated together our tenth anniversary of our deaconate ordination. We reflected together on the joys, sorrows and grace filled opportunities of the last decade. We remembered how we struggled together in our classes; the sadness we shared for the deceased members of our community; and the misguided expectations of how we thought God was leading us to ministry.

While the hours involved are sometimes intense and the schedule of events is sometimes extreme, I don’t think any of us would ever give up or regret the gift God has shared with each of us. We no longer think that we are leading others to a better faith experience of Jesus. We now fully understand that it is Jesus who allows our faith to grow by allowing us to experience His love being freely given to all.

I wake up in the morning and wonder how I’m going to see the love of God shared from one person to another. Some of you may share the same gift of wonderment in watching God work with you, your families, your children and even your co-workers or customers.

In a special way I’m thankful because God lets me share in his love when people are most open to God, whether through the joy of weddings and baptism or through the sadness of sickness and funerals. Through the RCIA program, I have had my faith challenged and awakened by the tremendous thirst for faith, love and truth of each of the participants.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

IN OUR HOUSE

I had a very pleasant epiphany this past week. Have you noticed how clean and sharp the inside of the church building has been lately? Take notice. There are many people to thank for this. Lilo Quintana and the Marthas (not a 50’s doo-wop group) have been doing a great job with the housekeeping. In my 2 years here, it has never been better. Also, Fr. Ring has a very keen eye for keeping the church shipshape. Gene May, Rose Vassallo, and Richie Bologna, our sacristans, are ever vigilant. Monday morning’s 6:30am mass attendees help straighten things up after our Sunday festivities. And far from least, the parishioners of St. Robert’s have been keeping the worship space clean. I think this is a great move toward being hospitable. On behalf of the Liturgy Committee, I say congratulations, St. Robert’s! - Pat Kelly

pray for the ill: Marlyn Arancibia, Bastiaan Blumenthal, Marcia Bourne, Ann Burns, Sister Cabrini, Arthur Candia, Peter Capodonicco, Ana Cosgaya, Imelda Daly, William & Sandra Dill, Adela Florez, Elsie Grech, Randall Guerro, Denise Hawald, Koret Koelman, Muriel Krause, Marky, Rosemary McHale, Jeanne McHugh, Terry McLeod, Richard Quintana, Cyndy Smerdel, Bill Strehl, Margarita Velez, Terry Kollerer, Josephine Lavoie, & Don Vickery.

Will you be going to a far away island this summer or a country thousands and thousands of miles away? Well, then you could be in the running for a prize for the Church bulletin that is furthest away. Just drop it/them by the rectory on your return. Winner will be announced at the end of summer.

St. Anne of the Sunset Church, 850 Judah St., SF, will again honor St. Anne during its 93rd Annual Novena on July 18 through July 26. Special events include Communal Penance Service, Sacrament of the Sick, Solemn Procession and Blessing of Children. Call Tessie at (415) 665-1600 for more information.

Do you have a son, daughter, niece or nephew going away to college this Fall? Why not give them a subscription to CHRISTOPHERS NEWS NOTES. They address current issues from a Catholic point of view within a principled Judaeo-Christian perspective. They come six times a year. There are some copies in our pamphlet rack in the vestibule. To subscribe send a donation of five dollars, and your student’s school address to THE CHRISTOPHERS, 12 East 48th St. New York, NY 10017.

GOING ON VACATION? Need to find a Catholic Church? Free ministry to traveling Catholics. For nationwide Mass times and locations: Call 1-800-Mass Times(1-800-627-7846) or Internet www.Massstimes.org

TUESDAY, JULY 18
6:30-8:00PM, Legion of Mary......Library