St. Boniface Catholic
by Sue Beams

I sincerely appreciate your patience with me as I continue to have major computer problems (since the lightning strike at my house). I apologize for missing the deadline last week.

On the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, members of St. Boniface heard in the account of St. Luke how Jesus taught the disciples to pray, the model prayer we call the "Our Father." Jesus makes it clear we must be persistent in prayer. Jesus used a parable to show the disciples that God would give us the most important tool, the gift of the Holy Spirit. Why this reference to the Holy Spirit? Our Heavenly Father delights in giving this gift of the Holy Spirit to all who would ask. When the Holy Spirit is invited into our hearts, we receive the knowledge of the things of God. The work of the Holy Spirit leads us to deeper prayer. When we ask through the Spirit we cannot be denied!

And to think, all we ever need to do to receive this great gift is to ask and be open to receive!

Iris Mamo made an impassioned plea for all of us at St. Boniface to participate in the nurturing of the young people of our parish. We are in need of Faith Formation teachers for the CCD program this fall. Iris told us that a strong foundation takes work! We all must strive to be more comfortable, proud and have a desire to grow in our faith as Christians and as Catholics. Please search your hearts and pray on this urgent need at St. Boniface. Next month will be registration for both youth and adult Faith Formation classes.

Last Sunday, members of St. Boniface gathered outdoors at the newly re-furbished `grotto' dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr. Jesse gave the solumn blessing of the statue as the congregation prayed and sang hymns dedicated to Mary, our Heavenly Mother. This image of Mary reminds us of the close ties of Mary to Christ and His Church. First, she is the Mother of the visible image of the invisible God. She is also the image and model of the Church and its exemplar. In Mary, we the Church, joyously contemplate the image of all that the Church desires to be. The Church recognizes in Mary the model of the path and the practice it must follow to reach complete union with Christ. Through Mary's intercession we pray for Christ to hear and answer our prayers. Thanks to all who participated, most especially to Pat and Stephanie Adams for their hard work in the restoration. It is our sincere hope that this blessed spot will provide a place for personal prayer and reflection.

The Fundraising Committee held a taco lunch following Mass. This hard working committee is planning several fundraisers in the upcoming months. Please check the weekly bulletin for details and plan to participate. These efforts to raise money for the St. Boniface community are successful only when we generously participate!

On Sunday, July 29, Fr. Jesse blessed water and then the congregation during Mass. There was also a commissioning of Eucharistic Ministers, which will occur as each couple rotates on the schedule. Congratulations to those who participated in the Extraordinary Ministers training in July. They have been nominated by our Bishop to exercise this important ministry in our Church. Joe and Laurie Guerra will be the coordinators for this group. See Fr. Jesse for information regarding the next training session slated for November.

Congratulations and best wishes to all who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. God bless you! Please pray for the sick and suffering that they may find comfort in Jesus. May those who have gone to their eternal rest find happiness with Jesus. We continue to pray for the men and women in the armed services who fight for our freedoms. May they find the strength and protection of Jesus!