On the Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time, members of St. Boniface welcomed Fr. O'Key as the celebrant of the Eucharist. This was Fr. O'Key's final weekend with us as he is relocating to the hospital in Texarkana as Chaplain. Our sincere thanks to Fr. O'Key for taking such good care of us during Fr. Luke's absence. God bless you, Fr. O'Key. Come back to see us anytime!

Fr. O'Key began the Mass by asking each of us to enter into the Eucharist with the spirit of Thanksgiving.

In his homily, Fr. O'Key mentioned the new school year that is about to begin. As parents and teachers, it is our responsibility to `bring up' our children in the way of the Lord. Jesus Christ was a good teacher. The disciples were his students. Jesus wants us each to profess our faith in God as Peter did in today's gospel reading, "Who do you say I am?" Have you ever contemplated the answer for yourself? Who is Jesus? What is Jesus doing in my life? Savior? Provider? Brother? Companion? Peter professed his faith in the Lord and, in response, Christ told Peter that "upon this rock I will build my Church."

In the early 1960s, Pope John XXIII faced many challenges. In the Catholic Church there was many a crisis ... marriages were in crisis, religious life was in crisis. The Pope was overwhelmed with the challenges and responsibilities of being the `rock' of the Catholic Church. Out of the turmoil and crisis, the second Vatican Council arose. In the long struggle, in the overwhelming difficulties, it is said that Pope John XXIII retreated to his room too exhausted to pray! The business of building the Church of Christ is a difficult one. Over 2000 years ago, Christ the master builder and Peter the foundation rock carved a legacy for us. Now we, as the pieces of stone have the responsibility to continue the work of building the Church. How is God using you? Are you available? Are you helping? Are you using the gifts and talents that the Lord has given you to do His work? Allow God to use you as you continue His message of love. Keep open your hearts and your minds to the work we are all called to do.

RCIA classes meet each Sunday in the education building at 11:00 am. Faith formation registration is underway for the children and youth. CCD classes begin again on September 21st. Registration forms need to be turned in to the church by August 31st.

Deacon Steve Curry will conduct First Friday prayers on September 5th from 5:30- 6:30.

Mark your calendars for the first weekend in September for the parish Yard Sale. Check in an upcoming bulletin for the details.

The Pow-Wow is just around the corner! St. Boniface will again have a food booth and volunteers will be needed.

Congratulations and best wishes to all who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. Please pray for the sick and suffering; may they find help and healing in Christ. We pray, too, for the souls of the faithful departed; may they rest in the comfort of Jesus. And we continue to keep lifted in prayer the brave men and women of the armed services who are keeping us safe in their diligence. Have a wonderful week.