This weekend, at the Masses we are offering a prayer of blessings for students, families, faculty and administrators. May all of our parishioners, at all levels of academic study be guided by God's loving providence and grace. We welcome with open arms and open hearts the doors to the School of St. Mary on August 26
th
. Mr. Dave Wieters, School Principal, Mrs. Kathy Thompson, Assistant Principal and the administration, faculty and school staff are looking forward to a wonderful year at the School of St. Mary.
We give thanks for the benefactors of our parish that help support the ministry of the school. We will be sharing information about school related celebrations that the parishioners are invited to attend. There is nothing quite like first-hand experience to see, in person, the work, energy, enthusiasm and development of all at the School of St. Mary.
I led the administration and faculty in prayer the week before the school year began as they were preparing to welcome the Crusaders students to the school for the new academic year. The prayer I used was from the Old Testament, Psalm 139. The poetry and depth of the prayer highlight our relationship to our creator God. I pray that you are familiar with verses of Psalm 139. "
You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works!"
Whenever we offer a prayer of thanksgiving at Mass, when we share in the Eucharist, prayers of thanksgiving shared with our families and whenever two or three are gathered, we acknowledge the power of this psalm prayer.
These scriptural truths are shared in the church, in the classroom, on the campus of the Church and the School of St. Mary. When believers all live by these truths, we deepen our relationship with our creator God and with one another.
When praying Psalm 139 one thinks of the Church's stance to respect the dignity of all human life, from the womb to the tomb. The clarity of Psalm 139 can guide us as we demonstrate respect for all life, for the child in the woman, the child crying out in hunger, the child longing to be united with family, the child hoping for opportunity and possibility in their lives.
Each fall I go on retreat. Almost without fail, my spiritual director encourages me to open up my bible and spend some time praying Psalm 139. I invite and encourage you to open up your bible this week, read the beautiful psalm and meditate on what God is saying to you in your prayer.
There are a number of activities and opportunities to come together as the people of St. Mary's. The Men's Club of St. Mary's is sponsoring a Parish Picnic for the parishioners. The Parish Picnic will take place on Sunday, September 15
th
following the 12:00 Noon Mass. Mark your calendar and look for information in early September about this parish celebration.
Many youth and adults enjoy time running around Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. How many of you have spotted Fr. Mark running around town? The Parent's Association is having the inaugural 5K Run/1K Walk on Saturday, September 21
st
. You can register online - information about registering for the 5K Run/1K walk is in the bulletin and on the parish website.
Beginning next month, we will return to our school year daily Mass schedule. Please know that all parishioners are invited to join the school community at Mass on Tuesday's at 9:00 AM at the Church of St. Mary and on Wednesday's at the Church of St. Patrick at 9:10 AM.
Thanks to all who have been praying for patience and progress in the Phase Four and More for St. Mary's. As I write this article early in the week, I am told that we are moving forward according to schedule and the Green Bay Road lot will be paved, striped and ready for parish use. I will be sharing more information next month on the remaining stages of the project.
God bless you with hearts filled with gratitude and thanksgiving this summer.
