Again, we sat together in our living-room, pondering what we would write to you this weekend. We read the Second reading—Paul’s letter to the Hebrews. The following sentence touched our hearts:

"Brothers and Sisters:
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and
evidence of things not seen."

Abraham’s faith never faltered. He believed that one day, he and Sarah would be blessed with a child. For Abraham and Sarah, by faith, the realization of what was hoped for, came to be.

Our family is experiencing a similar faith journey. Our daughter Jeannie and her husband Mike, for the 11 years of their married life, have hoped, prayed, believed and trusted that, one day, they would have a child.

The wait has not been easy; but by faith, God has been preparing Mike and Jeannie. They began the adoption process last November. In His wisdom and generosity, God has blessed them with, not one, but five beautiful children. Mike and Jeannie have opened their hearts and their home to Donna (14), John (11), Nathan (8), Sara (7) and Jessica (5), whom we lovingly call our "Fabulous Five".

When they met the children a few weeks ago, it was love at first sight. These are the precious little ones that Our Father created especially for Jeannie and Mike. 9 months exactly from when the adoption process started —on August 22, they will be a family. We met them for the very first time last weekend and fell in love with them too. They are a sign of what persevering in prayer, taking chances, and trusting completely in God can accomplish. For our "Fabulous Five" we thank You, Lord.

By faith, "The realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen" once again has come to be.

The Sacrament of Eucharist

We are looking at excerpts from the U.S. Bishop’s recent instruction on The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist (June 2001). Most of the instruction is in question and answer form:

6. Are the consecrated bread and wine "merely symbols"?

In everyday language, we call a "symbol" something that points beyond itself to something else, often to several other realities at once. The transformed bread and wine that are the Body and Blood of Christ are not merely symbols because they truly are the Body and Blood of Christ. . . .

At the same time, however, it is important to recognize that the Body and Blood of Christ come to us in the Eucharist in a sacramental form. In other words, Christ is present under the appearances of bread and wine, not in his own proper form. We cannot presume to know all the reasons behind God’s actions. God uses, however, the symbolism inherent in the eating of bread and the drinking of wine at the natural level to illuminate the meaning of what is being accomplished in the Eucharist through Jesus Christ.

As a parish Community we pray....

A retreat for women at St. Clare’s Retreat facility in Soquel (near Santa Cruz), will be held Sept. 7-9, and will be led by Father Ignatius Hinkle, OFM Conv. The theme is "Continuing the New Millennium." For more details and reservations, contact Veronica Walters at 359-6230.

We have completely depleted our food supplies for needy families. Please drop off, when you can, non-perishable items in the vestibule of the Church. Thank you again for all your support throughout the year.

Bishop John Wester, will be the presiding celebrant for Sunday Mass at Catholic Family Fun Day Sept. 16th at Six Flags Marine World.

   
MONDAY, August 13th
7:30 - 8:30 pm, St. Vincent de Paul.....Library
5 - 10 pm, Men’s Club.....Hall

TUESDAY, August 14th
6:30 - 8 pm, Legion of Mary.....Library

WEDNESDAY, August 15th
ASSUMPTION of MARY (Holy Day of Obligation)
Masses - 6 pm Tuesday,
Wednesday - 6:30 am, 8:30 am & 6 pm

SATURDAY, August 18th
12 Noon, PARISH PICNIC - Beckner Shelter