St. Boniface Catholic
by Sue Beams

On July 29th members of St. Boniface Catholic Church celebrated the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. Fr. Okey (pronounced OK!) originally from Nigeria celebrated the Eucharist with us. Fr. Okey is the resident Chaplain at Trinity Mother Frances. The feast of Saints Peter and Paul is a very important one of the Catholic Church.

In his homily, Deacon Steve Curry likened the two to `superstars ' of the apostles; giants among the saints. These two meek and humble men came from meek and humble origins. God chose Peter, a simple fisherman, in his `unholiness' as He does all of us. Paul was a tentmaker and prior to following Christ he was persecuting Christians! Both men had a very intense and personal encounter with Christ and it transformed them.

We are all called by our baptism to carry out the mission they began. In his first attempt `to go forth and teach all nations,' an amazing 3,000 people came to hear him. That was without newspapers and telephones! We have in our possession many more ways to `spread the word' and we have the same mission. Before their deaths, Saints Peter and Paul accomplished so much!

In our mission, we need to be passionate about our faith -- we need to be on fire! We are not called to do what Peter and Paul did, in the ways they did it. Each of us has a gift or talent. We are called to use the gifts we are given to go about pursuing the mission, spreading the Word and teaching His commandments.

Thank you. Fr. Okey for celebrating the Eucharist with us in the absence of Fr. Luke (who was away at a Fransalian Community meeting in Houston this weekend). It was a pleasure meeting you and hopefully you will visit with us again! Also, to Deacon Steve: thank you so very much for being with us, for all that you do, and the inspiration you are.

Visitors were welcomed and refreshments were enjoyed following the Mass.

On Friday, July 4th at 9:00 a.m. Mass will be celebrated with adoration and holy hour (First Friday) to follow. Please note this time change for future First Fridays.

Congratulations and best wishes to all who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.

We pray for the sick and suffering that they will have the comfort of our Lord in their time of need. We remember the souls of the faithful departed; may they rest in peace.

We continue to pray for the protection and wellbeing of the men and women who serve our nation, keeping us safe and free. Have a great (and safe!) 4th of July. God bless you!