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Below is the most recent email.
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Praying for Vocations to…”
Religious Life
Friday, September 21, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ,
Last Sunday was a wonderful celebration of the IHM Sisters’ centenary at Saint James. It was a joy to see so many sisters return and reconnect with former students. It was a true family reunion. You can read more about the event here.
A lot of work went into the celebration. In addition to the Saint James staff, I’d like to thank Saint James School alum Brian Cook who helped secure a generous rate for our Sisters at the Hilton Garden Inn hotel. Thank you to Robert and Laura Tramonte from the Italian Store for catering the reception. Their connection to the parish and our IHM Sisters made the event all the more special. Finally, thanks to our parish Hospitality Committee for their excellent work in setting up and serving all of the sandwiches and treats.
Something very much on my mind since that celebration is the importance of women religious — sisters and nuns, as we usually call them — in the life of the Church.
A crisis of vocations to the priesthood is keenly felt, because without priests we have no Mass and no Confession. But the decline of women religious is also a grave loss for the Church. We don’t really understand the Church without the presence of women religious. The Church is not fully alive without them. And that’s not just because of what they do — teaching, serving the poor, evangelizing, caring for the sick. No, it’s because of who they are. As consecrated women, they reveal the maternal dimension and solicitude of the Church. In them we have a glimpse of the Church as Mother.
Which is all to say, please pray for an increase in vocations of women to religious life — especially from our parish and our families. That young women will respond to the call to that life completely given to our Lord.
Updates…
Saint James Parish Picnic is Saturday, September 30th. Join us for good food, live entertainment, and games for the kids.
Food Drive for the St. Lucy Project…also on September 30th. Our Social Outreach Committee is hosting a food drive in front of Saint James Church between 10 am-2 pm. Just drive up, pop your trunk, and they’ll do the rest! A list of food items (please use the list) is found here. Any questions, please email Kate Altemeyer. Empty St. Lucy Bags will be distributed after several masses this weekend.
The Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Lourdes Grotto in Emmitsburg, Maryland is Saturday, October 7th. Unfortunately, we have no more room on the buses. But you’re still more than welcome to join us up there!
Speaking the Truth in Love: A Christian Response to Gender Ideology. On October 25th, Saint James Speaker Series welcomes Dr. John Grabowski of The Catholic University of America. Please join us at 7pm that evening to learn more about this important and timely issue.
Adorers Needed! We have restored our afternoon Eucharistic Adoration times on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please consider committing to come and be in our Lord’s presence – to adore, thank, atone, and petition. Contact Julie Marx for more information: [email protected]
Mis-Appliance
I thought it was the dryer that was shrinking my clothes. Turns out it was the refrigerator all along.
Looking to get involved? Please see this list of our various groups and apostolates!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Scalia