Church guide

Some photos from last Sunday's parish picnic! It was rather warm, but the camaraderie and food made it well worthwhile!

Sunday, August 18th

As our parish garden continues to produce much produce!!! Do you have more than you need? Our local food pantries are glad to get fresh food. Drop it off to them, or here at the parish offices if you are in the area!

From our discussion on the third chapter of 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness: “Thinking Before Acting”: Far too often our culture doesn’t encourage us to take our time and think. Rather, it often appears to instead believe that “shooting from the hip” is a means of wielding power or taking control. But spiritual health does not include mindlessness. Ours is not a fundamentalist faith; Catholicism instead recognizes that certainty is too often a mirage, and life tends to be ambiguous and nuanced. Our own certainty about a situation does not necessarily align with Truth. So healthy people make the time to take a deep breath, give their brains an opportunity to catch up with their emotions and body, and discern the best response for a situation. Discernment includes prayer, seeking feedback from a prudent companion, and acting with patience rather than impulsiveness. It trusts that the Holy Spirit is present and giving guidance, listens for the Spirit’s advice, and is wise enough to check the results of a decision. A healthy person also realizes that anger is sometimes necessary, especially when it is at the compassionate heart of the battle for justice. At the same time though, real justice and retribution belong only to God.

“Assumption- Advocata Nostra” by Patricia Brintle Not an easy feast day for many in our highly rational culture, as it defies so much of what we think we know of how the world works. But perhaps look at it from this perspective - at the end of her life, Mary was brought fully into God's embrace, into God's kingdom. This is especially significant, as we believe, and we need to be reminded, that the same will be true for us. Have a very blessed day!

Great reasons to think twice before judging others!

Thoughts from the second evening/chapter of our "7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness**" gathering, on 'Actively Seeking the Good of Others': This world encourages so much competition with others. It often causes us to believe that either we win, or the other person does, with no exceptions. That’s called a “zero-sum” game. It is our own insecurity that leads to this fear and such comparisons. But we as Church are “both-and” people! So, why not BOTH change the rules of the game AND recognize that we are all children of God, winning or losing together? Consider the Gospel message after all … doesn’t it turn the game on its head? Doesn’t it suggest that those who hunger now will be satisfied, those who mourn will be comforted, and those who are persecuted will win the Kingdom? When, as the Saints did and continue to do, we seek the good of others rather than being in competition with them, we ALL win! We earn companionship, support, partners for the journey, and all the good things of God. The effort is well worth the final results. ** Book by Joe Paprocki, Loyola Press

If you intend to be at the Assumption Tea this Thursday morning following the 8:15 Mass, PLEASE RSVP to the parish offices at 254-6233 so we can be sure to have enough for everyone!

Pass it on to the young adults you know!

Seems we all need a reminder of this (again) about now!! Be safe, be blessed - and bless others with your love.

If you feel called to contact your elected officials, you can always do so through this website:

Prayers are necessary - Prayer followed by discerned action is what God asks of us!

By L. R. Knost

Wisdom from the Tuesday evening "7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness**" study group "Your Life isn't About You!!"

We hope to see you there!!!

Prayers are being offered up for the repose of the soul of Jamie Kindell who left this life unexpectedly a few days ago. Please also hold her husband and family in your thoughts and heart.

A small snippet from the beautiful Advent program held this past Sunday evening in the church. Many thanks to all who participated!

Sometimes in the morning I like to stop and spend a few moments in prayer with Mom before heading into the office. With the fountains, the sun, and the birds singing I couldn’t help but see it as a small moment of grace! Our shrine to Mary is one of my favorite places to pray on our campus. Where’s your favorite place or statue/image you like pray in front of at St. Helen? -Shaughn

It’s an exciting day: the new hymnals have arrived! We will begin using them the first Sunday of Advent. #NewYearNewMusicBook

The anticipation and preparations, including rehearsals, are increasing these last few days of Advent. Here's a sneak preview of Christmas Mass music!

"Bless the Lord, O My Soul" . . . and bless yourself by listening to our beautiful choir's rendition on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross!

We say farewell to our dear Joey Huber and send our love with him to Texas!

"Taps" at our Memorial Day Mass . . . three candles representing those from St. Helen, Ascension, and Immaculate Conception who gave their lives for our freedom.

Can You Hear the Christmas Bells?