Happy Fifteenth Sunday!

In real time I’m writing this article on Monday, but now that you’re reading it, I’m fresh back from vacation. The hope is that I will have successfully eased my skin tone into a tannish – not reddish – summer hue. But whether or not the times up north are good for the epidermal complexion, the times up north are always good for the soul’s complexion. Thank you if you thought to remember me in your prayers this week!

In an attempt to take a true mental break, my article this week is very short. As a brief parish update, however, I have recently been working with our diocesan Office of Missions to firm up our summer missionary appeal speaker. At St. Robert, the plan was originally to welcome Fr. Ayelle Madaki from the Diocese of Jalingo, Nigeria this weekend. Late last week, I was informed that Fr. Madaki would be making an unexpected journey home. Thus, as of my writing of this article, the resolution of the appeal weekend is still unclear.

It’s possible that Fr. Madaki will write up something for me to share at this weekend’s Masses. It’s also possible that another local priest connected to our Missions office will take Fr. Madaki’s place this weekend. It’s also possible that neither is feasible and we’ll need to reschedule for later this month or early August. Being still right now on vacation, I’m trying to stay unplugged but am remaining minimally connected until we know more about the situation. By this weekend, we will all be finding out together, so I thank you ahead of time for rolling with the punches.

Just as we soak up the summer sun and bear its effects on our skin, may we heed today’s gospel and soak in God’s word, bearing its fruit in our lives. Peace and blessings upon your week!

Fr. Brian