There are three upcoming events which we need to be aware of.
Next week will be the annual bishop's appeal.
Next week will also be the start of Catholic School Week.
Monday is a day of prayer to be made for the sanctity of human life.
Christ invites us inside of the Gospel to come and follow after Him. This is precisely what we must do and thus this invitation leads us to trust in the Lord with the desire to share it with others.
The bishop's appeal is an invitation which invites us to assist in the various ministries of the diocese thus ensuring that Christ's invitation is made to all. For example; Saint Mary's Mobile Clinic goes to the poor areas of this diocese assisting within the healing ministry of Christ. Through this campaign we support Catholic Charities, Christian formation, young adult and campus ministries, Christian Formation, works of justice and peace, and the formation of clergy and seminarians.
As a parish we have the joy of having a Catholic school and thus next week we have the opportunity to celebrate Catholic schools. As we kick off Catholic School's Week there will be an open house of our school open to all of you. Please take advantage of this opportunity. It is my hope that all parishioners of this parish will come to support our school. The school is a ministry of our parish and it ensures the formation of our children in the faith. If you have a child who is not currently enrolled in our school please speak to our principle or pastor and enquire about getting your child registered in our school. The city of Oak Ridge may have good schools, but our school is able to form your child in the values of the Catholic faith. Studies show that those enrolled within Caholic schools are more likely to practice their faith as an adult opposed to those who do not.
Finally, we turn our attention towards the horrific decision of Roe vs. Wade which legalized abortion within this nation. Monday has been set aside as a day of prayer to be made in reparation for this great sin and thus too offered in hope that the sanctity of human life will always be held as sacred. As we approach this day I encourage you to fast, pray, and offer your sufferings for this intention on Monday.
And so may we come to follow after Christ's invitation to follow after Him. This invitation leads us outward from ourself and thus it leads us to follow after Christ, trust in Him, and share this same invitation with all those whom we encounter.
