Dear Friends in Christ,

The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our faith. Accordingly, it is vitally important that we receive our Lord properly and in a state of grace. I’ve now been here over six months and have observed how people are receiving communion. Without a doubt, a few reminders are in order.

First, some of you are not bowing before you receive the Holy Eucharist. At that moment, we are face-to-face with Christ, body, blood, soul, and divinity. The Bishops of the United States have decided that we should reverence our Lord with a slight head bow or kneel.

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Dear Friends in Christ,

Visible progress continues to be made at the construction site for our parish school’s new STEM Center! The old concrete foundation was demolished, and site prep has now begun! Besides the visible progress that is taking place, our school administration and staff has been busy building our expanded curriculum that will prepare our students for the technological world of tomorrow.

Saint Mary Help of Christians Catholic School not only offers the important foundational core courses in math, English, science, social studies, and religion that we are known for throughout the community, we also offer many “specials” including Spanish, German, PE, Library, STEAM, Art, and Music. Our graduates can earn up to four high school credits that the area public high schools accept.

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Dear Friends in Christ,

On September 8th, I celebrated my 25th year as a Catholic. Naturally a milestone like that induces a lot of reflection. The first thought is, “Wow, that’s a long time! And then, where did all of that time go?

It also produces thoughts of thankfulness for the grace that God has bestowed on my life. So, I want to express my gratitude for the men and women who have helped me along the way, both Protestant and Catholic. We don’t make our journeys alone.

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Dear Friends in Christ,

How do you start your day? What’s the first thing to which you turn your attention in the morning as you get up?

For me, I love to do a morning offering. After I make up my bed, it’s the first thing I do in the morning.

What is a morning offering? Well, basically you are offering or should I say reoffering yourself to God, body, soul, and spirit. You are offering the good, the bad and the ugly of the upcoming day to Jesus your Savior for some very specific prayer intentions. There are several versions of this prayer. One that I like has these words:

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