St. Paul INSIDE THIS ISSUE…

and Preschool Blessing of Pets Page 4 www.stpaulchurch.com Pumpkin Patch 12708 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida 33618-2802 Opens October 3! Phone (813) 961-3023 † Fax (813) 962-8780 Page 5

TH 26 Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday, September 27, 2020 WEEKEND MASSES Saturday Vigil Masses 5:30pm Missa em Português: 7:30pm

Oh Come,Sunday Let usMasses Adore Him! Every7:30am, Wednesday 9:00am, and 10:45am, Friday 12:30pm, 5:30pm Misa en Español: 2:00pm

WEEKDAY MASSES Monday through Friday 7:30am and 12:15pm

Saturday 8:30am

First Friday Mass 7:30pm Third Friday Mass 7:30pm *Fourth Friday Mass 7:30pm *(en Español) Fr. Bill Swengros Fr. Bob Romaine Fr. Fr. Peter Okojie Reconciliation (Confession) Monday - Friday 11:00am - Noon

Saturdays 10:00am and 4:00pm or upon request

Eucharistic Adoration Monday - Thursday 8:30am to 8:30pm

Friday 8:30am - Saturday 8:30am

Morning Prayer Monday - Friday 7:00am

Saturday 8:00am

Anointing of the Sick Every Second Saturday of the Month at 8:30am, Thursdays at 2:00pm underneath the church overhang or upon request

Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm

Website: www.stpaulchurch.com

Contact us at: "Formed by Word and Sacrament, we, the people of St. Paul Catholic Church, [email protected] are a Spirit-led, Eucharist-centered, vibrant multicultural Christian community of faith, living our love for God and neighbor while growing together as disciples of Christ." Page 2 Growing Together in Christ!

We’re here to serve you!

Clergy Fr. Bill Swengros Pastor Fr. Robert Romaine Parochial Vicar, Adult Confirmation Fr. Ambrose Parochial Vicar, Kadambukatt, OCD Ministry to Homebound and Nursing Homes Fr. Peter Okojie Parochial Vicar, Communications (App, Website) Deacon Carlos Celaya Deacon Ray Dever Deacon Frank Henriquez Deacon Rich Spiro

Faith Formation Carmen Cayon Director Sonia Eberhardt K-5 Faith Formation Coordinator, First NOW - OCTOBER 3 Holy Communion Prep. Stephen Eschenfelder Middle School Youth 7:30PM DAILY Minister, Confirmation Prep SANTO NIÑO SHRINE Laura Wendt High School Youth Minister Maria Costa Baptism, Marriage, RCIA, Quinceañeras Vanessa Vasquez Faith Formation Assistant (Records)

Preschool Mindy Geer Director Kelly Mende Assistant Director

Liturgy Laurie Erickson Liturgist, Director of Ministries Mary Gant Music Director, Bereavement Minister

Parish Support Brian Smith Parish Manager Barbara Gray Pastoral Administrative Assistant (Scheduling) Sam Mathai Maintenance Charles Yezak, Jr. Director of Sign up for Communications Louis Gobin Accountant Online Giving!

It’s fast, simple www.stpaulchurch.com and convenient. www.facebook.com/stpaultpa

[email protected]

Go to stpaulchurch.com Our Vision Statement: and click on the Online Giving link or “Growing Together as Disciples scan the QR code to the right with of Christ.” your phone or tablet for more info on how to sign up today! Letter from Our Pastor Page 3 Growing Together in Christ!

My dear friends,

Today’s Gospel is the parable of the man who had two sons. The first said that he would not work in the vineyard but later changed his mind and went. The second son said he would but didn’t. Which did the father’s will? The fact is, we are often like the second son. We say we will do the will of God our Father, but chose not to.

What is the will of the Father? First of all, we are called to love and serve Him – to have a personal relationship with the Lord. How do we grow closer to God? Just like we do with any other person. Enjoy quality time together and talk, talk, talk! The same is true with the Lord. To grow closer to Jesus, spend quality time with Him and pray, pray, pray! Attend Holy Mass at least once every week, if not more often; pray every day; read the Bible every day; examine your conscience every night; and go to confession at least once a month.

I’m amazed at those who say they believe in God or that they love God and yet can’t find time to pray, read neighbor is exemplified by volunteering in our Faith the Bible, come to Mass, or go to confession. Some Formation or Youth Ministry programs or serving as a have used the pandemic as an excuse for not giving Minister of Hospitality during Sunday Mass. Love of God their best. They try to justify their choice by neighbor also includes advocacy and support for the saying that it is not necessary because Bishop Parkes poor and marginalized as well as providing financial issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend support to our parish family and the St. Vincent de Paul Mass. To be clear, the only ones who are dispensed Society. from the obligation to attend Mass are: God our Father is calling us to work in the • All who are sick and those who are caring for them. vineyard. What is your response? • Those who because of age or infirmity are at greater risk for contracting diseases. On another note, we welcome Stephen Eschenfelder as • Those who have been exposed to the coronavirus our new Middle School Youth Minister. He has many because of travel or other circumstances. exciting plans for our Middle School students and those youth preparing for the Sacrament of If you qualify for a dispensation under one or more of Confirmation. Please welcome him and keep him in these categories, I encourage you to come to our “drive your prayers! thru” service on Thursdays at 2:00pm. No one should be deprived of the Sacraments of the Church! May God bless you and keep you holy, healthy, happy, and safe and sound! Of course, it is not enough to love God. We are also called to love our neighbor. These challenging times provide ample opportunity for us to share God’s love and mercy to our neighbor. It can be as easy as wearing a mask when in public places or offering assistance to a Fr. Bill Swengros vulnerable neighbor in need of assistance. Love of Pastor

Page 4 Parish & Liturgical Events

The annual Diocesan Mass of the for children (born or unborn) who have gone to be with the Lord will be celebrated by Fr. Lipscomb on Saturday, October 3, at 11:00am at St. Timothy’s Parish located at 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz, Florida. ‘Please wear a face mask.

For more information or to have a child's name added to the program, please contact Diane at: (727) 344-1611 ext. 5308 or [email protected]

Ministries are encouraged to send information regarding upcoming meetings and events to: [email protected]

Submissions for the bulletin are due10 days prior to the bulletin’s front cover date. Please include the word “Bulletin” in the subject line of your email. Thank you! Parish & Liturgical Events Page 5

The Q&A Parish Meetings (Town Hall Format), hosted by Father Bill Swengros, will be held on Thursday, October 8th at 1:00pm and 7:00pm in the Parish Center. All are welcome to attend this event. For those who are unable to attend the meetings in person, the events will be streamed on the StPaul Tampa Parish Facebook page.

PagePagePage 6 6 6 St. 6 Paul Faith Formation We are rooted in Faith and growing in grace

INFANT BAPTISM

Our Faith Formation Team is here to help you keep your children and teens engaged in learning and reflecting on how much they are loved by God and how to hear God calling and loving them in the midst of any situation. If your child is not attending a Catholic school, please register them in our Faith Formation program by

contacting our office by sending an email to us at: [email protected] or call (813) 961-3023.

God reaches out to us in all kinds of ways. The desire in WELCOME, STEPHEN! your heart to baptize your child is one of them. The Please join us in welcoming Mr. promises you make for your child on this day will begin to Stephen Eschenfelder, our new form your child into a faithful follower of Christ. Middle School Youth Minister! However, the day of baptism is only the beginning of this Stephen graduated in May 2020 journey. Baptism is indeed a life changing event! from St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, Florida, with Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. If you desire the Sacrament of Baptism for your baby, or more information on baptisms here at St. Paul Catholic [email protected] Church, please contact Maria Costa via email at: [email protected] or call (813) 961-3023. Parents and Godparents will be asked to attend a Calling All baptismal preparation class. Middle Schoolers!

You are invited to our "Visions Retreat” designed just for you! This weekend, all second year It will be a fun day of outdoor activities, scriptural reflection, prayer & fellowship. Come and bring a friend! Confirmation students are asked to participate in the Rite of Enrollment, Date: Saturday, October 3rd which will take place at ALL Masses. Time: 10am-3:00pm No pre-enrollment is required. Where: St. Paul Church Family Center Cost: $10 lunch donation per person

Before Mass, please sign in your child at the entrance to To register, please contact Carmen Cayon by the main church. You will find your child’s name listed by September 29th by calling (813) 961-3023 ext. 3337 class. They will receive a cross to wear. Please have them or email: [email protected] stand where and when the priest invites them to do so. This rite is an important step in the Confirmation process… St. Paul Tampa Youth Group Instagram Account: it is a public declaration of your child’s openness and stpaultampayg readiness for Confirmation!

Interested in receiving text messages Thank you for all you do in support of your confirmandi. If regarding upcoming Youth Group you have any questions, please feel free to contact activities and events? Carmen Cayon, Director of Religious Education, by phone If YES, text: @9bf4c7 to 81010 at (813) 961-3023. THANK YOU! for the Youth Group Remind App! Youth Group & New Testament Readings Page 7

The St. Paul Youth Group is Our upcoming events are: open to all high school September 27: One Heart + teenagers. The group usually Parent Meeting meets in the Family Center October 4: XLT immediately after the 5:30pm October 10: Search Retreat (see Sunday Mass. advertisement below)

For

more information on upcoming Youth Group events, including registration for The reading schedule for the this week is as follows: October 10th Saturday 9/26 2Tim 2 Search Sunday 9/27 2Tim 3 Retreat Monday 9/28 2Tim 4 please Tuesday 9/29 Heb 1 contact: Wednesday 9/30 Heb 2 Thursday 10/1 Heb 3 Laura Friday 10/2 Heb 4 Wendt Saturday 10/3 Heb 5 Sunday 10/4 Heb 6 High

School The entire New Testament Youth reading schedule can be Minister found on our app or on our webpage at: www.stpaulchurch.com lwendt@ stpaulchurch. For Father Bill’s com commentary, please join (813) our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ 961-3023 stpaultpa

PUMPKIN PATCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The St. Paul Pumpkin Patch will open on October 3rd. The Youth Group is in need of individuals to assist with the unloading of 40,000 pounds of pumpkins from the delivery truck this Friday, October 2nd at 4:00pm. In addition, we are in need of adult and student volunteers to assist every day with the Pumpkin Patch from Noon - 8:00pm, Monday through Saturday and from 8:00am - 8:00pm on Sundays from October 3 - 31, 2020. To help, please contact Laura Wendt, High School Youth Minister via email at [email protected] or by phone at (813) 961-3023. Page 8 Liturgy Corner

Pope Francis: Our Holy Father recently began a series of teachings during his weekly Saturday, September 26, 2020 Wednesday Audiences on a Christian Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 8:30am Freddy Jimenez † They are excellent and are available at 5:30pm Lexi Girard (int.) vatican.va. We will provide excerpts 7:30pm Edward Ratka † each week in our bulletin.

Sunday, September 27, 2020 “As a human family we have our common origin in God; we Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time live in a common home, the garden-planet, the earth where 7:30am Dahlia Martinez † God placed us; and we have a common destination in Christ. 9:00am St. Paul Parishioners (int.) But when we forget all this, our interdependence becomes 10:45am Barbara Johnson † dependence of some on others — we lose this harmony of 12:30pm Aguiar † interdependence and solidarity — increasing inequality and 2:00pm Maria Dolores Villa de Cifuentes † marginalization; the social fabric is weakened and the 5:30pm Frances DeLauro † environment deteriorates. The same way of acting.

Monday, September 28, 2020 Therefore, the principle of solidarity is now more necessary than ever, as John Paul II taught (cf. Sollicitudo rei Saint Wenceslaus, Martyr; Saint Lawrence Ruiz and socialis, 38-40). In an interconnected world, we experience Companions, Martyrs what it means to live in the same “global village”; this 7:30am Mark Ward (int.) expression is beautiful. The big wide world is none other than 12:15pm Aida Rivera † a global village, because everything is interconnected, but we Tuesday, September 29, 2020 do not always transform this interdependence into solidarity. Feast of Saints , and , There is a long journey between interdependence and 7:30am Richard Kissal, Jr. † solidarity. The selfishness — of individuals, nations and of 12:15pm Duane Painter † groups with power — and ideological rigidities instead sustain “structures of sin” (ibid., 36). Wednesday, September 30, 2020 “The word ‘solidarity’ is a little worn and at times poorly Memorial of Saint , Priest and understood, but it refers to something more than a few 7:30am Consecrated Life & Priestly Vocations (int.) sporadic acts of generosity”. Much more! “It presumes the 12:15pm Charles Bowen † creation of a new mindset which thinks in terms of Thursday, October 1, 2020 community and the priority of the life of all over the Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, and appropriation of goods by a few” (Apostolic Exhortation Doctor of the Church Evangelii gaudium, 188). This is what “solidarity” means. It is 7:30am Valentin Munoz † not merely a question of helping others — it is good to do so, 12:15pm Stacy Prat (int.) but it is more than that — it is a matter of justice (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1938-1949). Friday, October 2, 2020 Interdependence, to be in solidarity and to bear fruit, needs Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels strong roots in humanity and in nature, created by God; it 7:30am Cephas W. Copeland † needs respect for faces and for the land.” ( Francis, 12:15pm Carmen Iglesias † Audience, 2 September 2020. For the full document, see 7:30pm Santo Niño Devotees (int.) www.vatican.va).

Saturday, October 3, 2020 www.stpaulchurch.com 8:30am Ana Maria Rodriguez Hoo † 5:30pm Tim O’Loughlin (int.) We pray for the repose of the souls of those recently 7:30pm Hung Tran † departed: Peter Faber, Franko Coladonato, Sister Irene Sunday, October 4, 2020 Onyai, Susan Elizabeth Thompson, Eileen Schutz, John Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Morrow, John Matera, Sr., Anthony Cutrono, Jr., Orifiel Barredo, Howard Workowski, and Thomas Henry Santiago. 7:30am Luz Williams †

9:00am Yolima Correa † Please remember in your prayers those with 10:45am St. Paul Parishioners (int.) various health needs: Mark Domantay, Bonnie 12:30pm Michael and Mike Hingson † Cayon, Billy Diaz, Patricia Smith, Jaime Zambrano, 2:00pm Carmen Reyes † Mary Garcia, Allan Garcia, Frank Loscalzo, Doreen 5:30pm Serge Douge † Miller and Leelah Sharma. Growing Together in Christ! Page 9

Saints of God: Tuesday is the feast of the Archangels Looking Ahead! September 25 - October Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. 3: St. Francis Novena; October 3: Annual There are seven Archangels in all Blessing of Animals at 9:00am; October 3 - (Tobit 12:15). Can you name them? 30: Pumpkin Patch; October 8: Q&A Only the three mentioned in Sacred Meeting with Fr. Bill at 1:00pm & 7:00pm Scripture are commemorated will be live as well as on Facebook; October 9: Fall Festival, liturgically. This Thursday, 5:00pm - 8:00pm; October 10: Our Lady of Aparecida Feast Michaelmas, we celebrate the Feast Day Mass at 7:00pm; October 18: World Mission Sunday; of the Saints Michael, Gabriel, and October 31: All Hallow’s Eve; November 1: All Saints Day; Raphael. Michael is noted in the November 2: All Souls Day; November 4: Journey to New book of Daniel, Jude, and Life Workshop; Novemer 5 - December 8: 33 Days of Revelation. Luke records that Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary; Gabriel announced to Mary that she was chosen to be the November 7: Parish Picnic! mother of our Savior. The name Raphael means “God heals” and he is one of the leading characters in the story of Tobit. Words of Wisdom: “When we pray we speak to God; but when we read, God speaks to us.” So who are the other four? While traditions differ, they are usually listed as Uriel, Raguel, Remiel and Sariel. There are – St. Jerome many foods and traditions associated with Michaelmas. Why not do a search on the internet and see how you can celebrate Light a Candle! Many people find it comforting to light a the day with your family? vigil candle in the church to represent their prayers shining before God. The practice of lighting vigil Prayer for Those Affected by Hurricanes: Lord God, lights (from the vigilia, meaning "waiting" or watch over those who lost so much dur- "watching") is an ancient practice. Some say it ing these past storms, especially the originated in the catacombs of , as people lit poor, the elderly, and the infirm. During candles in front of the tombs of the holy martyrs. this difficult time of recovery, may they Others say it harkens back to the Lord himself who feel our love and support as they rebuild encouraged us to be like the wise virgins, with candles their lives. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. lit in waiting for the Groom's return (Mt 25:1-13). In any case, if you have a special prayer intention, why not light a vigil First Friday Devotions: This Friday is the first Friday of the candle? You may be surprised to find it a source of comfort! month, a beautiful opportunity to develop your relationship with God. This is a good time to Ask It Basket: “I heard that St. Padre Pio examine your conscience and participate in the had a stigmata. What does this mean?” Sacrament of Reconciliation. In addition to our normal Friday daily Masses, we offer a special Good question! In the history of our Church, Friday Mass beginning at 7:00pm with a Rosary in several saints have been gifted with the stigmata or wounds of commemoration of Santo Niño and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. crucified Lord. They can be visible or not. St. Francis’s We also offer Eucharistic Adoration after the 7:30am Mass wounds were visible. St. had invisible through to our Saturday 8:30am Mass. Please come and bring wounds. Padre Pio was the first priest to receive the visible a friend! wounds of Christ. They are not a “proof” of one’s sanctity but are a reflection of our call to participate in the sufferings of Christ (Col 1:24). I hope this helps! Scripture Readings for the Week of September 27, 2020 (If you have a question for the Ask It Basket, please contact

Sunday Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time [email protected]). Ez 18:25-28; Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14; Phil 2:1-5; Mt 21:28-32 Monday Jb 1:6-22; Ps 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7; Lk 9:46-50 Tuesday Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rv 12:7-12a; Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5; Jn 1:47-51 Wednesday Jb 9:1-12, 14-16; Ps 88:10bc-11, 12-13, 14-15; Lk 9:57-62 Thursday Jb 19:21-27; Ps 27:7-8a, 8b-9abc, 13-14; Lk 10:1-12 Friday Jb 38:1, 12-21; Jb 40:3-5; Ps 139:1-3, 7-8, 9-10, 13-14ab; Mt 18:1-5, 10 Saturday Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17; Ps 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130; Lk 10:17-24 Sunday Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 5:1-7; Ps 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20; Phil 4:6-9; Mt 21:33-43

Page 10 Responding in Faith to COVID-19 Divine Mercy in My Soul

“I will not allow myself to be so absorbed in the whirlwind of work as to forget about God. I will spend all my free moments at the feet of the Master hidden in the Blessed Sacrament. He has been tutoring me from my most tender years” (n. 82).

Mass Appeal: With the final “Amen” of the Prayers of the Faithful, the Liturgy of the Word ends and the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins. While the Liturgy of the Word resembles the worship Jesus experienced each week in the synagogue, the Liturgy of the Eucharist is rooted in the annual Passover or Seder Meal, especially the Last Supper. At the Last Supper Christ instituted the Paschal Sacrifice. The Church, with the priest acting “in persona Christi”, “carries out what the Lord himself did and handed over to his disciples to be done in his memory.” As at the Last Supper, we offer the bread and wine and ask the Father to send forth the Holy Spirit to transform them into the Body and Blood of Christ. From the very beginning, the Liturgy of the Eucharist was celebrated not just once a year, but every day the community gathered for prayer – especially on Sundays, the day of the Resurrection. Articles & St. Paul Catholic Preschool Page 11

Safe Environment: Child abuse is a tragic reality which can be prevented. How? 1. Talk to your children about touching safety. Teach them that it is OK to say “NO,” get away, and seek help. 2. Help your children make a list of the people they can turn to for help if they have a problem. 3. Teach your children that unsafe touch can happen with people they know and trust; not only with strangers. 4. Respect your children’s personal boundaries. Teach them to trust their intuition about others. License # CHC 110273 5. Be aware of those who have contact with your children Excellence in Catholic preschool education for 40 years and be sure it is a “Safe Environment” with at least two adults Office: 813-264-3383 ▪ Email: [email protected] supervising whenever possible. For more information, please call our Faith Formation office at (813) 961-3023. This week, our two-year-olds completed our Creation Story Deo Gratias: We give thanks to God for the faithful project and it turned out fantastic! Each child got a chance volunteers who wash and iron our linens for the to paint a part of the creation story that they liked. We read Sacred Liturgy each week. May God bless you “God’s World” from our Bible Board Book and then for your selfless service! Remember, if you are reviewed what God created each day. The children traveling, please bring us bulletins from your admired all the work they did to complete our bulletin travels. We love to hear how God is blessing board. Our artwork is all about the process, and not our sister parishes! necessarily the product. This shows the children that their artwork is a creation of their own and not something a teacher made for them. This means that what looks like an animal to them may not look like an animal to you and that's okay! This helps to foster confidence and creativity that knows no boundaries and brings about "out-of-the- box" thinking that we pray carries on for years to come.

— Gabrielle Ruiz, 2-year-old Lead Teacher.

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Page 12 Ministries in Action!

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Food Pantry Hours Monday & Thursday 9:00am - 12:00pm Assistance Line: (813) 264-3325

If you would like to help, food donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry can be left in the marked baskets located in the Narthex. Monetary donations can be dropped in the Poor Box, also located in the Narthex. Please make sure to specify SVDP in the memo line for check donations or you may use an offertory envelope for cash donations and label it SVDP.

Pantry Wish List This Week: Crackers ▪ Jelly ▪ Pasta Pasta Sauce ▪ Peanut Butter ▪ Ramen Noodles

Thank you for your generosity! ~ SVdP Society

*** Please note we are unable to use expired items ***

Legal Consultation & Referral Service Every Monday by appointment only Please call (813) 961-3023 Knights of Columbus

The ESL (English as a Second Council 11211 Language) class for adults meets every Wednesday evening at Annual Charity Golf

7:30pm in Room F/G in the Tournament Parish Center. All languages at Cheval Golf are welcome! Snacks will be provided. Bring a & Country Club pencil or pen! For more information regarding the ESL Saturday, October 17 class, please send an email to: [email protected] Here is how you can participate….

Catholic Scouting for Girls As a Player, join in the Tournament’s Four Person scramble. Your donation of $100 per player (or $400 per foursome) will J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others, Yourself) include the following: • 18 holes of golf and cart fees ANNUAL CATHOLIC SCOUTING • Boxed lunch, Italian-style dinner and complimentary FOR GIRLS RETREAT beverages • A gift bag that includes a $39 round of golf at Cheval Retreat & Consultant Training • Golf vacation trips and/or premiums for a hole-in-one Saturday, October 3 from 9am to 4pm on all Par 3's Mary Help of Christians, Tampa, Florida • Silent auction and raffle prizes

Consultant Training from 10am to 12pm As a Hole Sponsor, by choosing your donation level: Mass to follow retreat at 4:00pm • Contest Sponsor - Prepays 4 players, places your sign on 2 holes ($800) Masks will be required. During lunch, everyone • Gold Sponsor - Prepays 4 players and places your sign will be socially distanced while eating outside. on 1 hole ($600) Registration is due by Wednesday, September 30th. • Hole Sponsor - Places your sign on 1 hole ($200) One person per registration form, please. As a Raffle & Silent Auction Sponsor, advertise your To register, go to: business with gift cards, discount coupons, free rounds of https://forms.gle.oyASC3HetUBeDUcm8 golf or donate bottles of wine, cigars, golf balls, golf bags,

sports memorabilia, game tickets, gift baskets, etc. For more information, please send an email to: [email protected] For information, e-mail: [email protected] Reflections Page 13

Faith in Action: “Do nothing out of selfishness; On a Lighter Note: Father Quicke was on his rather, humbly regard others as more important way back to the parish from an extended out-of- than yourselves…” (Phil 2:3). Pride and ego are state trip. Eager to be home before dark, he was hard things to control. We see how others act or traveling well over the speed limit and ended up dress and think we are superior to them. We idolize our own being pulled over by a state trooper. self-image. But, if we truly believe everything is a gift from The officer was not impressed by his explanation or his collar God, we recognize all the people that God has put into our and asked, “Do you want me to give you a little sermon about lives as gifts! We are grateful for how they enrich our lives. your driving, Father?” Pray every day for the people in your life: your family, your friends, and those who make you angry. "Oh, skip the sermon," said the flustered priest, "and just take up the collection." ☺ Living Liturgy: Considering today’s parable, which son are you more likely to be (the one WE WELCOME THE NEWEST MEMBERS who commits but doesn’t follow through, or TO OUR ST. PAUL FAMILY! the one who refuses but in the end complies)? Mr. Julian Posada ▪ Ms. Idianis Padron Thought for the Day: “Do you realize that Jesus is there in Mr. & Mrs. Damian Pena the tabernacle expressly for you – for you alone? He burns Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Nolan with the desire to come into your heart…” Mr. & Mrs. Filiberto Bermudez . — St. Therese of Liseaux Mr. Enrique Lara & Ms. Norma Vargas Mr. Luis Machado & Ms. Mariajose Caballero Mr. Carlos Sotolongo & Ms. Madeline Ponce SiFontes WWW.STPAULCHURCH.COM Mr. Jorge Sam & Ms. Barbara Calderon

Due to copyright restrictions, we are Reflection: St. Paul’s first point is cultural reading. The “chief priests and unable to print the Scriptures with the that agreement within the Church was elders” of the people were those in Reflections of Dr. Jack Conroy. vital. If we are sensitive, we can see authority. And remember, there was how St. Paul would have been no distinction between “religious” and I. 18:25-28. What is “Fair?” scandalized by the differences of “secular” authority! To propose that opinions that exist within Catholicism the level of society that was most Reflection: The context of this today. The second part of this rejected, most “impure”, were reading is the Prophet’s rejection of a reading is the famous hymn to Christ, “entering the Kingdom of Heaven” biblical dictum that the children suffer probably used Liturgically prior to St. before the religious authorities must for the sins of their ancestors. It was a Paul’s writing. Scholars believe he have stung the authorities to the quick. landmark insight in that personal incorporated this hymn into his letter Why? Because the message of John responsibility for one’s life is firmly and added some modifications to fit (the Baptist) was one of repentance; it established. The Prophet contends his needs. But we see the crux of our was one of becoming integrally self- that the consequences of sin falls only Early Christian Faith incorporated conscious; it was one of challenging to upon the sinner, not on his progeny. here...Christ’s coming in the form of live by a higher standard than power Further, the Lord was seen to punish a poor person, and choosing the and self-aggrandizement. Those with the unrighteous by early death, even worst form of death in obedience to power and wealth ignored him. We those who had been “righteous” in the the Father, then being exalted above happen to be blessed with both past. This is where the claim the Lord even the Angels. The last phrase is “power” and “wealth”; there are times could be “unjust” arose. We have to likely the early “touchstone” of the when we have to ask whether such ask what “death” means; in a church, the proclamation that “Jesus blessings might not be curses! How contemporary setting, the refusal to is Lord!” (Remember, “Lord” would Jesus deal with us, the follow God’s command to Love each referred at that time to the “wealthy?” † other does of its own accord produce Emperor...and also to God! The a death...not necessarily physical, but ambiguity is extraordinarily certainly a walking-death. The important...think about it! Prophet was right on!

III. Matthew 21:28-3. Is “Obedience” Philippians 2:1-11. The Famous Verbal or Active? Hymn to Christ. Reflection: This is a highly counter-