Summer has come. We just had the longest day of the year. From now on the days will get a little shorter. Half of the year 2002 is behind us. Maybe we should slow down a little and enjoy the present, which is really all we have. The children have vacation from school. This would be a good time to enjoy being with them. There is no homework to worry about. I’m sure there are many things you want to do "some day". There is no time like the present. Do them now. There may not be time in the future.

Our new building will soon be on its way. Demolition will have to take place before construction begins. Tearing down does not take long. Building up does. This reminds me of our own lives. Before we can do anything constructive we must get rid of the negative. How many of us truly believe that we are special to God? Do we try to weed out from our lives anything that would prevent us from being the unique, special persons God created us to be? We may even think that we are not worthy of God’s love. Of course we are not if we think as deserving it or tearing it. What child thinks it deserves its parent’s love? Or what parent thinks like that, either. Love is pure gift. It is given freely. So enjoy being loved unconditionally by our loving God. It makes a big difference in how we live.

Have a wonderful summer. The weeks will fly, and routine, everyday tasks will be just around the corner. Relax while you have the opportunity.

Once again we will have our annual contest for the Parish bulletin from a vacation church you worshiped at during the summer. The prize goes to the family who submits one from the farthest point from St. Robert’s. As you know, I enjoy seeing what is happening at other parishes, so bring them to me even if your vacation destination is the Russian River or Santa Cruz.

"A Fine ‘How Do You Do’"

As a member of the parish staff with responsibilities centered around our liturgical practice, I have the mandate from the Parish Council to nurture the practice of hospitality especially around our Sunday masses. The ministry of hospitality is not just for ushers and greeters, although their roles are very important. No, hospitality is required of all of us.

Most of us have probably had the experience of going to a family’s home and being welcomed at the door by the mom or dad. That part of a visit is almost a given. We really get impressed by the hospitality of a family when a daughter or son, niece or nephew helps with a coat, gets a chair, offers something to drink, assists an elder, or helps clean up after dinner. When hospitality is exercised by an entire family, you notice!

We pray for the ill: Sharon Aiello, Marilyn Arancibia, Robert Bacci, Ilaria Belluomini, Bastiaan Blumenthal, Marcia Bourne, Ann Burns, Joseph Calleja, Arthur Candia, Josie Clarke, Nan Connolly, Ana Cosgaya, Imelda Daly, Walton & June Dickhoff, Sandra & William Dill, Carl Edwards, Adela Florez, Henry Fosson, Fred Gaedeke, Jim Halpin, Denise Hawald, Joanne Johnson, Koret Koelman, Muriel Krause, Abelardo Landin, Josephine Lavoie, Marky, Daniel McHale, Rosemary McHale, Jeanne McHugh, Terry McLeod, Josefina Mercado, Sal Milizio, George Mitchell, Catherine Murtagh, Louis Ricardo, Pauline Speranza, Kari Stellino, Bernadine Trenchard, and Don Vickery.

Thank you to the students of St. Robert School for the beautiful roses, wonderful cards, thoughtful gifts, and kind words. And a special thank you to the "new" 4th graders for the spectacular ‘Bear Bowl" you made for me! I am truly grateful for these precious expressions of appreciation. Each of you has touched my life in your own unique way and I treasure the good times we’ve had at Saint Roberts. Have a great summer and God bless you and your families.

The School of Pastoral Leadership
presents the

Care Ministry Certificate Program

Sacraments of Healing
Eucharistic Ministry to the Homebound

St. Thomas the Apostle Church
3835 Balboa Street at 40th Avenue
San Francisco

Saturday, June 29, 2002
7:30am (Eucharist) - 4:00pm (Lunch included)

Sunday, June 30, 2002
9:00am - 4:00pm (11:00am Eucharist) (Lunch included)

Instructor: Ms. Ruth Hayes-Barba, LCSW, MTS
Director of Ministry to the Aging
Archdiocese of Portland

Plans are being made for this year’s annual parish festival

which will be on September 27th, 28th and 29th, 2002, and, as always, the Barbecue and Food Booths are in need of your help. Several people are needed to work in these two very popular booths and everyone from the parish is welcome to help. Most shifts are for two hours, but you can work for as many hours as you would like and on all three days if you wish.

This year’s menu will include those all time favorites - delicious barbecued tri tip steak sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, polish sausages, Domino’s Pizza, nachos, soft drinks, candy and much more.

Monday, June 24th
7:30 - 9 pm, Drop In Support....Convent Chapel

Tuesday, June 25th
6:30 - 8 pm, Legion of Mary.....Library

Thursday, June 27th
7 - 9 pm, RCIA....Convent Chapel
7:30 - 9 pm, Festival Meeting.....Library