There are times, I think in everyone’s life, when we try to evaluate whether we really are making a difference. Is God happy with me? Am I leading the life God intended? Does my life have purpose?

From the book, “The Parables of Joshua” by Joseph F. Girzone, I read “God does not judge people by their talents or the awards they receive, that’s how humans judge. We must always remember that God created each of us for something very special, for something that only you and no one else can do for him. God has given us all we need to do that special work.

God may not have given us the same kind of talents that he has given to others. But God has given you gifts far more valuable than the gifts he has given to them. These gifts you must find and nurture, so you can one day touch others’ lives and accomplish the purpose for which God placed you here on earth. Remember, everyone whom God creates has a purpose, though the world may judge them useless and of no value.”

The hard part is that God doesn’t always give us an instruction manual or even directly tell us what he expects. We can get a clue, however, by asking ourselves what makes us happy. What makes me feel warm and fuzzy?

May the summer give you time to reflect on your relationship with God.

Everyone is invited to this year’s Reno Get-Away. Mark your calendar-July 8th and 9th and enjoy the scenic drive going to Thunder Valley Casino, Carson City and Tahoe. One night stay at Silver Club Hotel and Casino in Sparks. Cost per person is $65 double occupancy $75 single occupancy. The Reno Bus will be leaving from St. Robert’s Rectory on Saturday, July 8th at 7 a.m.

On Saturday, June 17th, I was given a “retirement breakfast” at The Fiddlers Green in Millbrae. The attendance “knocked me out” as around 36 people were present.

My thanks goes out to Msgr. Bruce Dreier, Father Joe Marini, Deacon Rusty Duffey our rectory connection Judy De Martini and our computer plaque designer, Kathy Hanley. Also in attendance were Margaret Shypertt, our only member that is 95 years young (in 2 months) and her sister Aida, (visiting from San Diego) and of course, Margaret’s daughter and our treasurer, Mary Shypertt.

A special thanks to our new President and the organizer of this breakfast, Bruce Chester with his wife Sophia, our St. Bruno Conference connections of Elisa Alverez, Mary Pleas, Zenaida Brion and Lourdes Matatqin.

In attendance from St. Robert’s Conference of St. Vincent de Paul were Janet Aldinger, Maria Canjura, Liz Cesca, Bill Curtis, Pat Daansen, Pat Davini, Francis Gilfillan, Gerry and Carman Huddleston, Tim and Joan King, Sandy Mangold, Nancy McMahon, Pat Mooney, Carlo and Marie Noce, Carol Quigley, Bill and Loretta Root and Candi Whooley.

Several members had previous commitments and couldn't attend.

Now that our major feasts have been celebrated and we are in Ordinary Time, that period to live out what we have celebrated during the Easter season, it is a good time for us to look around and consider who we are as a faith community. We all have times when all is well and our presence can support others in the congregation and other times, when we may not feel like coming at all, but once we’re here, the presence of others supports us.

Consider the congregation at liturgy on a given Sunday. Here is a man who comes early and enters by the side door that offers a ramp for his invalid wife’s wheelchair. There is the mother of four whose husband was recently diagnosed with cancer. The couple in back is mourning the death of their newborn, and the parents on the aisle are weeping for their son who was arrested in a drug raid…It is well to remember that while we attend the liturgy to praise God, we are there also to support one another by our prayers, our presence and our care. Together we are the Body of Christ, a suffering body that can rise to the challenges of life through the ministry of its members. Carmelites of Indianapolis, Hidden Friends, p. 51

The Carmelites of Indianapolis have a wonderful website at www.praythenews.com which also has a four-part School of Prayer with brief, practical reflections to help us grow in prayer. As contemplative nuns, they’ve had a lifetime of practice! It may seem odd to speak of growing in prayer, but since prayer is both the desire for and fruit of our relationship with God, it takes the same kind of time and energy which we spend on other important relationships in our lives. May you have some moments of prayerful wonder this summer!

    
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Go to www.saintroberts.org and click on the e-contributions button. The first page explains the details. There is a button to take you to the e-paluch registration page. You can register online using either your checking account or credit card.

Dress Code: Full length black slacks, (jeans or spandex are not permitted), white shirt with collar, closed toe comfortable shoes (preferably black or white).

We will car pool from the rectory. For those working in San Francisco, you can meet the group at the gate.