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I hope each of you is in good health and you are enjoying the blessings of summer. As we face September, I am surprised how quickly time has elapsed. It seems as if summer passes so quickly! My shoulder surgery was successful, and I am returning to more active ministry. I still have more physical therapy ahead and of course I am still facing dialysis three days per week.
We are facing new beginnings in many areas of our lives. The 2024-25 School Year is starting: That means teachers and school personnel are busy at work and the students are leaving vacation behind and “hitting the books,” or perhaps computer screens! Fall sports are underway; especially my favorite one that involves “pigskin.” There are many reasons for excitement and high expectations.
The weekend of August 31-September 1 marks the beginning of the Sunday Stewardship Program for St. Joseph. Immaculate Heart of Mary embarked on this process last year and had wonderful results. As the two parishes are merging starting January 1, 2025, St. Joseph has fallen a little behind in Sunday Offerings I anticipate a very generous response from the members of the parish.
The following is a highlighting of some of the activities this September:
1 The Sunday Mass at St. Joseph begins at 8:30am. We are making this change to accommodate the combined CCD program so that the students and their families can attend Mass at their home church.
2 Labor Day! The Offices will be closed at both parishes.
3 Dr. Tom Sauline will begin the Bible Study program at St. Joseph at 9:30am in the Mackin Room.
4 Dr. Tom Sauline will begin the Bible Study at Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Rectory Meeting Room.9:30am.
As the Catholic parishes of Austintown, we have a wonderful future together. We have accomplished a number of renovation and improvement projects and we have started a number of parish activities that appear to have a promising future. I encourage each of you to consider how well you are using your own time, talent, and treasure as a steward of God’s gifts.
