Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My dear friends in Christ, 

We are so thankful to the Totus Tuus team for coming to Epiphany of the Lord and leading our young people in a summer program of faith and fun. They provide a powerful and inspiring witness to our faith. Fr. Melwin and I enjoyed celebrating liturgies and helping with some of the activities. Be sure to find the pictures from this week that are published in the next week’s bulletin! 

In today’s gospel, Jesus went to a certain place to pray. Throughout the gospels, Jesus is going away from the crowds to spend time in prayer. On this occasion, when he was finished, the disciples asked him to teach them how to pray. Jesus taught them the “Our Father” and offered parables to illustrate how they should be persistent in their prayers and to trust that God will answer. Do we make time to get away from the demands that crowd our day to spend time alone with the Lord? Find at least 10 or 15 minutes each day away from distractions and cell phones to pray. 

This week, we look forward to the St. Anthony Society bus trip on July 30 to the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit. Blessed Solanus Casey has a fascinating story and it is nearby. If you have not signed up, call the parish office and see if there are any seats available. 

The Birmingham Festival baking of nutrolls and pastries will be Saturday, August 3 at 8:30 am, with the dough being prepared on Friday evening. Teach your friends and family members to bake these delicious pastries and pass on family traditions. Want to learn how to bake these desserts? This is a wonderful opportunity with many experienced bakers to help you learn. Meet in the St. Stephen’s school kitchen.

Have you signed up to help at the Birmingham Festival on Sunday August 18? Many helpers are needed for food booths, informational booths about our parish, St. Stephen Church tours, the Chicken Paprikas dinner, and more. Many volunteers are needed, please sign up today! 

Pray for Fr. Melwin and me, and be assured that we are praying for you! 

Rev. Gilbert Mascarenhas SAC