Pastoral Messages from Fr. Rick

Pastoral Messages from Fr. Rick  August 27, 2021

Donate Blood   Our Insurance Company, Church Mutual, reminds us that the Red Cross is in extreme need of blood donations.  If you are able to make a donation, please see their website:  https://www.redcrossblood.org/

How we get back to normal  – Pfizer Covid 19 Vaccine is FDA Approved!!

Every Utahn who is able to should choose to get vaccinated for COVID-19. If as many people as possible get vaccinated and we continue to follow health recommendations, we will win this fight against this virus.  https://coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine/

Bishop’s Annual Appeal:  Please make a donation to the Diocesan Development Drive.  So far only about one third of our community have made a donation…. We are part of a Diocese and a global mission in which we play a very important role.  Donating is EASY AND FUN!!

Help Haiti  from Catholic Relief Services:  Two weeks ago a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, followed two days later by Tropical Storm Grace. Thousands are injured and many more have lost their homes and loved ones. Currently, our staff is working with partners on the ground to determine the most urgent needs. Thanks to your generosity, we are responding quickly and efficiently.  Make a donation at crs.org .

Afghan Refugees   Catholic Community Services of Utah will eventually be helping to resettle the many refugees as they begin to arrive in various place around the country.  For ideas on how to help, see:      https://www.ccsutah.org/news/item/262-how-y 

‘Columbus’ Book Discussion  Our last discussion will happen this Thursday at 2:30 PM.  We will discuss the last two chapters and any further thoughts and reflections.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Thursdays from 4 to 5 PM.

A Time to Grieve  

The war in Afghanistan, resurgence of Covid, persistent droughts and wild fires, young Catholics not practicing their faith, unexpected health problems.  There are many huge disappoints in our lives where things just do not meet our desires, expectations and dreams.  It’s essential that we do the necessary grieving in a prayerful state so we can lighten the pain and have energy for the next part of God’s plan.  Grief is not a sign of failure or weakness.  Grieving is one of the most honest and courageous things we do.  Please join us this week in reciting Psalm 86 each day at your convenience, preferably with family or friends.  Please pray this psalm deliberately and specifically, knowing that the Lord is our strength.  Also, remember that we have daily Mass, Monday through Saturday at 8:00 AM. 

Psalm 86:1-10

(A prayer of David).

Incline your ear, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and oppressed.

Preserve my life, for I am devoted; save your servant who trusts in you.

You are my God; be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day.

Gladden the soul of your servant; to you, Lord, I lift up my soul.

Lord, you are good and forgiving, most merciful to all who call on you.

LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my cry for help.

On the day of my distress I call to you, for you will answer me.

None among the gods can equal you, O Lord;

nor can their deeds compare to yours.

All the nations you have made shall come to bow before you, Lord,

and give honor to your name.

For you are great and do wondrous deeds; and you alone are God.

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“…unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”  John 12:24