Reflection on the 14th Sunday in Ordinary time Cycle B: As Americans living in freedom and independence God has blessed us in unique, varied and wonderful ways through families, gifts, talents and other things. Each day we hear of helpless or devastating situations and stories and we must ask ourselves, how being a Catholic makes a difference. Do we hear the words of the prophets? In the gospel of Mark a recurring theme is lack of faith. In light of this can you imagine a difference when people live faith with freedom and independence? Have we ever thought about the difference in our lives?

Notice that Jesus in love for His people does not let lack of faith on the part of His disciples and consequently us be an obstacle in the ultimate way. Jesus shows Himself as the Son of God even to those who wish Him to be a simple carpenter born to Mary and Joseph. Please notice also that lack of faith on the part of the disciples or our part does not lead to a lack of compassion or a lack of forgiveness on the part of Jesus. Do we too undervalue Jesus or anyone else? As we celebrate the Eucharist this weekend our prayer is that others too may have freedom and independence to experience and live God’s love for them.

| July 3rd, 2009 | more letters ...

Please Note

Effective immediately, the parish office hours for the summer are 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday — Friday.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

With the summer upon us many people are away and it has become very apparent that we are in need of more Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers at the Sunday Masses. Please call the rectory if you are interested in helping. Training will be provided.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

2nd Collection next weekend July 12, 2009 Black & Native Americans: Next weekend’s second collection is for the purpose of supporting programs to strengthen evangelization programs that otherwise would be in danger of being cut among the Black, American Indian, Eskimo and Aleut communities in the United States.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

Is there is any person interested in becoming a Catholic or interested in learning more about the process? Please call the rectory for more information.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

We have concluded Bible Study for the summer, ending with St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Class will resume in the Fall. All are welcome, Bible Study meets on Mondays 10-11am in the O’Brien Room of the rectory.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

Presently 197 donors have pledged $79, 117 which is about 87.9% of our parish goal of $90,000. Thank You. The Archdiocesan goal is 15 million dollars of which about 72.5% of the goal has already been achieved. There are immense needs and reasons to pray for the success of this appeal. Please know that our parish will receive 25% of all funds raised above our goal.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

Thank you to those who have already signed up for automatic giving or Electronic Funds Transfer. We hope many families sign up for this new service.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

Extra Confessions will be heard next Sunday July 12th after all the Masses.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

The Catholic Companion to the Psalms by Mary Kathleen Glavich, Acta Publications Skokie, Ill. 2008.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

We are blessed to welcome back Fr. John S.M.A. who was with us three summers ago and made a wonderful impression on all of us. Please welcome him in the wonderful way that St. Bartholomew Parish has become known for over many years.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

Did you know that the patron saint of priests is St. Jean Marie Vianney, the Cure d’Ars? His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has declared that the coming year starting on June 19, 2009 is the Year of the Priest. May I ask that each of us pray for the priests of our church all over the world.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

Last Saturdays of the Month
July 25th, Aug 29th

Movies & Games on St. Bart’s soccer field

Come to 4pm Mass, Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy around 5pm, join in some easy outdoor games (pick-up soccer, kickball, bocce, horseshoes, etc.) around 6pm, and set up your blanket and settle in for a family-friendly movie around 7:30pm

*This activity is weather dependant, it will not be moved inside or postponed in the event of uncooperative weather

| July 3rd, 2009 |

Sharing: Time Talent Treasure
INDEPENDENCE——-FREEDOM

Webster’s Definition: “Freedom: the quality or state of being free: as a) the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action b) liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another. ‘Independence’– the quality or state of being or released usually from something onerous” Read the rest of this entry »

| July 3rd, 2009 |

It can sometimes be hard to know where you fit into the parish & where the parish fits into your life and schedule.

Come join us! We are getting together on Thursday July 16th at 7pm for dessert to get to know each other better. If you would like to join us or to be notified of future events for Young Adults, email melisahughes@comcast.net

Come as you are, all are welcome, single, married, children or none, even if you aren’t active in the Church at this time in your life, you are always welcome to join us.

| July 3rd, 2009 |

Classes will continue on Monday, June 15th, at 10 am in the O’Brien Room. Please read chapters 8-12 of St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. The study of St. Paul’s letters are proving to be life-enriching and enjoyable. We welcome newcomers to the classes!

| June 12th, 2009 |

Please take a look at the bulletin for other activities and events that are coming in the next few weeks:

• Youth Night - July 8
• Second Collection - July 11,12
• Extra Confessions - July 12
• 20’s & 30’s gathering - July 16
• Youth Night - July 22
• Riverside Trauma Center Brunch - July 25
• Family Fun on the Fields - July 25
• High School Harbor Cruise - July 27
• LifeTeen Camp - August 3-8
• Youth Night - August 12
• Youth Night - August 26
• Family Fun on the Fields - August 29
• Parish Trip to Oberammergau - 2010
• World Youth Day - August, 2011

Or call the rectory for more information.

| July 3rd, 2009 |