Hardly a "Few" Simple Words this week...... from Fr. Robert

Special Collection
As you can see from the news, every night our Christian Brothers and Sisters are suffering terribly in Iraq and the Middle East. Please take the time to read the bulletin insert this week regarding the plight of Christians in the Middle East. It included a letter from a priest in Iraq, a letter from Archbishop Blair asking us to take up a special collection and a small article about how Pope Francis cold called the Priest who wrote the letter and promised our support. The collection will be next week. There is not a special envelope for this collection. Please be generous.

Gearing Up
Well are certainly back in the swing of things. On Tuesday night the parish center and church hall were filled with 4 simultaneous meetings, as the parish wakes up from its little pause over the summer.

The Family Life Committee is planning its night under the stars event. It?s an enjoyable evening of Jazz and light refreshments under the stars and a great opportunity for our young couples to get to know each other. Last year over 70 people attended. I love this event and I hope that many will take advantage of it. Remember, if it rains, they simply move the event into the Gym. Consider yourself invited. Check the web for details and RSVP information.

The Berlin Fair Committee met in the church hall. Our booth at the Berlin Fair and the school?s booth at the Berlin Fair are huge endeavors. It takes over 120 volunteers to set up and run our booths. The maintenance on our buildings also takes a lot of time and effort. The Berlin Fair is a very important, maybe the most important, community event of the year. They even cancel school for it. It is important for us to be present. We still need volunteers, so please fill out the insert in the bulletin or go to the website to sign up.

The Knights of Columbus had their first meeting of the fall. They were hard at work in the second half of the Church Hall planning their events and community outreach. Once again, they will be conducting a membership drive on the weekend of Sept 21 and will be offering the parish Coffee and whatever?. after the early Masses on Sunday.

Italian Night
Finally the Italian Night Committee met to begin planning their event which will be held on November 8th. Yep, it takes that long to get things organized. If you?ve never attended, I would suggest you give it a try. The food is incredible. It?s one of the friars favorite events. You know how we like food. The money raised from the Italian Night supports parishioners in need and the youth initiatives of our parish. Italian Night almost always sells out. Keep your eyes posted for information on reservations and ticket sales. You won?t be disappointed.

Online Giving Cards
Everyone who participates in our very successful Online Giving Program received an envelope, a letter and stack of ?I gave online? cards. You?ll notice that the cards have your address label on the back. As the letter states, please throw them in your car and toss one in the basket when it comes around. This simple gesture reaffirms your support of the parish, teaches your children how important it is to support the work of the Church and allows the parish to verify your attendance. Thanks in advance.

State of the School
Last Thursday we held our annual State of the School meeting with the parents. Our enrollment continues to be good, especially in the lower grades and our Pre-K Program. Our test scores are through the roof. As always, every one of our classes is one grade year ahead in reading and Math. We have every reason to be proud of our school. Please help us spread the word. A Catholic Education is worth the sacrifice.

Save the Date - Parish Picnic
Our Parish Picnic is around the corner, so don?t forget to save the date - September 20th. It?s a great evening, there?s lots of food and it?s free? yes FREE! Last year, close to 1000 people attended. We will need some help setting up this year. Outside set up takes place on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM. If we get a lot of hands we are done in an hour. Someday we?ll have our parish picnic on the parish green.

Ask and you shall receive
We needed some asphalt millings to firm up our access to the temporary KGS lot. Two weeks ago I put out the word in the bulletin and in two days the work was done. Please feel free to park in the KGS lot where the tennis courts were. With the KGS parking lot near the school gone, we are kind of overflowing onto the streets.

Get the Hose out
It was sure hot and muggy out last week and the kids in school really felt it. So I did what any good pastor would do. When the kids came out at the end of the day, I took out the hose and give them a refreshing mist. Fun was had by all.