VOL Parish Weekly Bulletin August 27, 2017 | Page 2

August 27, 2017
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Views From The Pews
2
Did You Know?
Kolleen writes about my homily on faith,
“I rarely come to Visitation and this is the
first time I heard you preach. I never
heard what you said before but I sure like
it. As a woman I seem to be always worried that I don’t
feel close enough to God. I often feel like I’m a big sinner
because of it. Thank you for explaining that faith has not
much to do with how we feel and not feeling close to God
is not sinful. From here on out I’ll let my actions speak
for me. I really do try hard to do what God tells us but I
just don’t seem too connected with him. It’s a big comfort
to know I have big faith when I do what God asks even
when I don’t feel like I have any faith at all. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
On the other hand, Don writes, “You harp on the same
thing far too much. I for one am tired of hearing that faith
has little to do with feelings.”
“Sorry you feel that way, but I preach on the topics
the week’s Scripture readings offer. And, since Jesus
talks often about faith, so do I. In addition, Father
Francis and I rotate Masses. So, every week
approximately half the congregation does not hear my
homily but may hear the message on a future weekend.
Also, current research shows people need to hear the
same message at least ten times before it begins to sink
in. So, for all of the reasons above, I do tend to be
repetitious. I try hard to vary the WAY I preach the
message and I change the stories that accompany the
message, but the substance of the message is often the
same.”
Father Mike
According to a national poll a majority of Americans
now say they favor manipulating genes to help reduce the
risk of babies contracting serious health problems.
APPROVE
DISAPPROOVE
NO RESPONSE
50%
48%
2%
Father Mike
Substance Abuse Ministry Meeting
The next SAM meeting will be held
Tuesday, September 12th in the Church
Meeting Room at 7 p.m. Dr. James Arey,
Director of Training for the Jefferson
Parish will be the guest speaker.
The Substance Abuse Ministry (SAM) offers a safe,
confidential place for people touched by addiction to
share their personal experiences with others. SAM
provides general educational information about addiction
through professionals in this field and is open to people
of all faiths. The ministry is open to both those afflicted
with or affected by substance addiction. For more info
contact Deacon Jerry Labadot at 495-5820.
“Confession” (Sacrament of Penance)
All churches in the Archdiocese of
New Orleans will have Confession
available on Wednesday, September
13, beginning at 5 p.m.