Holy Innocents Catholic Church!

Sept. 23, 2021

Next Monday, September 27, is the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul. Born into a peasant family in 1580 or 81, Vincent sought to become a priest for the wrong reason, seeking to get an office in the church for financial security for himself and his family. Initially, he was driven by ambition, but along the way, he came under the influence of two wise and holy spiritual directors. Their influence changed him and he became known for his love of the poor and his charity. He founded a missionary order of priests, an order of religious women devoted to the care of the poor and sick, and lay organizations to help those in need. With God’s grace, St. Vincent became an ‘apostle’ of charity.

His outlook on the world and his wisdom can help us today. Here are a few short excerpts of his writings:

“We must love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of His love.”

“Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.”

“Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances.”’

“We must love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of His love.”

“We should take as a maxim never to be surprised at current difficulties, no more than at a passing breeze, because with a little patience we shall see them disappear. Time changes everything.”

“Do not be surprised by your trials, since the Son of God has chosen them for our salvation.”

“Charity is the cement which binds Communities to God and persons to one another…”

I think much of this wisdom can be of help to us today. We need more charity and love, to each other, those in need, but especially to those differ with us. Truly, “Charity is the cement which binds Communities to God and persons to one another…” Let us all seek to be instruments of God’s mercy and love as was St. Vincent de Paul.

Please support the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in our parishes.

We are very blessed with our own St. Vincent de Paul Society. They use the funds we donate to provide direct, concrete assistance to families in our parish and local community. They depend on our generosity and on volunteer members to meet with families in need. Please be generous in supporting their good work financially and if you can by volunteering to become a Vincentian. You will be doing the Lord’s work, really helping people and will, no doubt, be transformed by the experience.

Travels and Special Daily Mass Schedule

The next few weeks I will be away. This Sunday, I am directing the rededication of St. Thomas More Church in Lynnwood. The following week I will be at a national liturgy conference, and then taking some vacation. I will be back October 13. Please pray for me while I am away and please know that I will be keeping you in my prayers during my travels as well.

The daily Mass schedule while I am away will be:

• Monday- No mass
• Tuesday- 9am Mass at Holy Innocents
• Wednesday-9 AM at St Jude and 6 PM at Holy Innocent
• Thursday 9 AM at Holy Innocents
• Friday, 9AM at St. Jude

I will look forward to seeing you when I return.

May God surround you all with an abundance of his Joy, Peace and Love!

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Johnson