Dear Parishioners,

 

Many people have asked me “How do you like living over here now?” The short answer is that Fr. Isidore and I like it. With the exception of the July 4th weekend, we have both remarked how quiet it is.

 

One of the things I did not think about when I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cleveland was that I would probably spend most of the rest of my life living on main streets. I have lived on Lorain Rd. in Cleveland (St. Ignatius-though the rectory is on the south end of the property on a side street), Kent Rd. in Stow (Holy Family), Pearl Rd. in Strongsville (St. John Neuman Parish), East 260th in Euclid (St. William Parish and a block from the fire station), Lake Avenue in Elyria (no where near a lake at St. Agnes Parish while I was pastor of St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Sheffield Village) and, of course, St. Peter Parish on Center Ridge Rd.

 

Now we are off the beaten path on Opal St. Fr. Isidore and I enjoy the quiet. I also enjoy the walks I am able to get in around the property on my day off or on the weekends. I have taken up the habit of Fr. Gonser: walking the property while praying the rosary.

 

I confess that I am an early riser. I often pray on my way to St. Peter for morning Mass and time at the office. However, I appreciate the respite that the rectory at St. Julie’s offers. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

 

There are a couple of events at St. Peter Parish (tied in the yearlong events celebrating their 150th Jubilee) that may be of interest to Catholics beyond St. Peter Parish. The first event is a Trivia Night. That evening will be next Saturday, July 19 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Details and registration info can be found at this link on the St. Peter website under the Jubilee event tab. I cannot guarantee anything except that a good time will be had by all.

 

Then on Sunday, July 20th, Alex Kostritsa with the St. Peter Choir, will be leading participants in a worshipful Eucharistic Holy Hour at 7:00 p.m. The theme of this time of prayer will be gratitude for the blessings of the last 150 years and asking God’s blessings on future endeavors. All are welcome. Refreshments and snacks will follow in gym immediately after the Holy Hour.

 

Finally, if you have children or grandchildren, this bulletin has information regarding True North (our Vacation Bible School this summer) and PSR registration. Please check out these opportunities and register. VBS needs both teen and adult volunteers, as well as participants. All are welcome.

 

Today’s gospel contains one of the most famous stories of Jesus. Both the scribe and Jesus agree that loving God and neighbor was the greatest commandment. However, when the scribe asked a less than clear question (Who is my neighbor?), Jesus shared a story that still speaks to us today. One’s neighbor is the person in who needs help, even if it involves a risk. Jesus deliberately a good Samaritan (a group that was hated by most of Jesus’ contemporary Jews because, in their eyes, they altered the essence of Judaism) to be the hero of the story. Jesus’ choice of characters tells us that we must serve each other because of our common humanity. Beyond race and religion, we are all human beings who need to serve each other.

 

May the Lord help us to see the needful good and do it!

 

In Christ,

Fr. Bob Franco