It is mission week in our parish once again. This week Deacon Matt and our youth are in Tohatchi, New Mexico. It is an exciting time for them. The high desert offers a backdrop for a unique opportunity to experience the culture of the Navajo. Fr. John Middelstadt, brother of parishioner Mary Ellen Finnane, is a gracious host. I would like to thank the entire parish for their support of our summer mission trips. Your investment through Shares of Faith makes this trip happen. Invitations went out this past week to all shareholders for this year’s Shareholder Dinner on August 8th at 4:30 P.M. LIFE Mass will follow the presentation and meal. Please save the date and plan on joining us.

August is one of our months to stock the food pantry. In these difficult times everyone is hurting. I see the concern and hopelessness in so many and realize we all have to tighten our belts. The number of those coming to our door in need have increased. Please be as generous as possible—you can bring your donations of non-perishable food to the coat room. We have a wonderful team of volunteers who see that it gets to the pantry each week. We are doing our best to help in all of the ways possible.

August is a busy month and we will be hosting a diocesan event. Please mark your calendars and plan ahead for the deaconate ordination of Steve Borello on August 28th. Steve is the only seminarian to be ordained to the transitional diaconate this year and we are blessed to be able to host since St. James is his home parish. It is a true gift to be able to gather with God’s people from all over the diocese for this Eucharistic celebration. The doors are open for everyone to attend.

In addition, our parish golf outing is on Friday, August 20th and registration for religious education is underway. See this bulletin for more information on all of our August activities. As we gear up and look forward may we come to realize the goodness of God’s blessings.