Dear Parishioners,

Truth, beauty and goodness are considered transcendentals, which means they are deep properties of being, present in all things created by God. As humans, we long for all three to help bring meaning and connection to our lives. Truth is objective and we must search for it in a world that often embraces subjective truth.

Beauty draws us in – nature, architecture, art and human life. Goodness, too, is something that we are drawn to and want to share – think of a good book, kind act, or movie. They touch us and give us a sense of gratitude. All of them help us better understand God.

Today, in the Gospel, people are doing good in the name of Jesus – driving out demons. Because they were not His official followers, the disciples are puzzled by it and try to prevent them. Jesus helps them and us to realize that helping others through acts of charity and kindness is always good. We should rejoice in it. We should celebrate all that is good. I am convinced that the role of the Christian is to learn to seek and find the good in the world, but also truth and beauty.

Of course, in our day, just like in the times of Jesus, there are individuals and movements that live out of a spirit of suspicion and can focus only on the bad, weakness and ugliness in the world. While these things are real and no doubt exist, the Christian calling is to be the light of truth, beauty and goodness shining in the world. To be anything else leads people into confusion, fear, division and suspicion. We are bombarded in today’s world with these messages and must continually look for the signs of God’s goodness, beauty and truth. We strive to be people of gratitude, hope and light. Be attentive this week to find something good in your day – give thanks to God. Be a witness of goodness. Live your faith boldly in love.

This coming Friday, October 4th, is the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi and we will have the blessing of animals at 6pm in our courtyard. We have a beautiful statue of Francis surrounded by animals so we will gather there to pray and bless our furry, feathered, and scaly pets. Of course, all pets must be good-natured on leashes or in protective enclosures. It is a wonderful way of recognizing how Saint Francis saw the beauty and goodness in God’s creatures. Let us bless and give thanks to God for the companionship and joy our pets bring.

On Saturday evening, October 5th, after the 5pm Mass we will have a wine and cheese gathering to visit and socialize with the people we pray with every Saturday evening. It is the Saturday evening version of coffee and donuts. Please stop by and enjoy one another’s company.

Be sure to check the centerfold page of the bulletin for the many opportunities for growing in our Catholic faith. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to worship, learn and serve. Thank you for embracing and living your faith.

Peace in Him,

Fr. Fred

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