In the eighteenth chapter of the Book of Genesis, there is a touching story of hospitality.

Looking up, he (Abraham) saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them....

Abraham and Sarah hastened to be of service to these strangers - providing water that they might bathe their feet, settling before them a sumptuous meal that they might be refreshed. One tradition of Eastern Christian Churches (Catholic and Orthodox) is that in welcoming the travelers - — Abraham and Sarah in fact welcomed the Triune God.

Since my arrival in early July, I have experienced the much acclaimed welcome, the hospitality of this faith community. In the warm hand shakes, the words of greeting, the good wishes expressed and the prayers promised — I have known the comforting grace of God’s presence. Any fears or anxieties I may have initially known in coming to a new assignment, long ago evaporated in the blessing which is this parish family.

I want to thank you for the gift of your welcome in which I have experienced much of God. I am grateful for the opportunity to live with you, and to serve as a minister of Word and Sacrament among you. I pray that together we will give birth daily — in powerful and surprising ways — to the Reign of our God.

To the God who is always in our midst, be glory, now and forever, Amen!

4 Wednesday evenings this Summer:
July 31, August 7, 14, & 21 7-9pm

Free. Open to all ages and skill levels.

Hospitality and Christ

During these Summer months many of us travel around the state, country, and world. I am fortunate to hear stories from many St. Robert’s parishioners about other parishes they visited. Sometimes, people tell me about Christian churches of other denominations with whom they joined in worship. Nearly 100% of the time, I hear tell of the welcome they did or didn’t receive and of the "atmosphere," "environment," or "tone" of the Church and their liturgy. Often I hear the words "warm" or "cold" used to describe the experience of another Church community.

The human element of welcome and hospitality in Christian worship is important to us . . humans! They are natural expressions of goodness and kindness. The Gospels attest to Jesus’ hospitable attitude. You can bet that people did not flock to him because he was cold and aloof! He had welcome room at his side and at his table for children, strangers, community leaders and community sinners.

The grace of Christ’s Paschal Mystery—his living, dying, and rising to new life—builds upon our natural expressions of hospitality. Being attentive to the needs of others requires our own "little death" and creates stronger life for both parties in the end. Being hospitable is a simple but valuable participation in the Paschal Mystery. To an extent, this was the point St. Paul made to the Corinthian community (see 1 Cor 11). They were corrupting the Lord’s Supper because some were arriving early to eat and drink without waiting for everyone to arrive. Because they showed blatant disregard for the Church community as the Body of Christ, they were unworthily celebrating and receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist!

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, 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, Catherine Murtagh, Louis Ricardo, Pauline Speranza, Kari Stellino, Bernadine Trenchard, and Don Vickery.

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.

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

Thursday, August 1st
7:30 - 9:30 pm, Festival Meeting.....Library
7:30 - 9 pm, Youth Group.....Hall

Saturday, August 3rd
9 - 10 am, Eucharistic Adoration.....Church