Thanks to all who made it Possible

Thanks to our Oktoberfest chairwoman as well as all who helped her with this year’s Oktoberfest which took place last weekend.  I think everyone had a good time, good food and drink, and good friendship.

St. Ann Future Project

Most everyone has seen the plat drawings on display in the vestibule showing how we could theoretically replace the old rectory, the old convent (current parish office), and garage building with a multipurpose building that would serve as a gymnasium and “parish multi-purpose center” for meetings, gatherings, etc. 

Archdiocesan policy requires steps that must be followed in a building or renovation project.  At this point, St. Ann Parish must decide if we are ready to spend money on the next step which would be a “professional financial feasibility study” to determine if there is adequate funding to keep the parish operational needs being met, and still amortize any construction debt incurred with donations from our donor base. 

I am in the process of securing “per square foot” cost estimates from the architect and other sources not only for a slab on grade commercial construction masonry building, but also for steel structures.  I am also securing information from professionals regard the cost of a professional financial feasibility study.  I will present all this information to the parish at a general meeting before we schedule the sending of the ballots through the mail for the parish vote.  I hope to announce the day and time for the general meeting  in the next bulletin.

Women’s Day of Renewal

The annual “Women’s Day of Renewal” is this coming Saturday (October 7).  The committee that structures the day is made up of women from both St. Ann and Sacred Heart, but women from throughout the area will attend.  Please pray for the success of  the retreat.

“Fully Alive” Youth Retreat by Net Ministries

This coming Saturday Evening (October 7), Net Ministries will present an evening retreat for youth from St. Ann and Sacred Heart parishes who are in their junior high or high school years. (Grades 7-12)  The retreat runs from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Please RSVP (513) 858-4213 by no later than October 2.

Fr. Tharp away on Tuesday Afternoons

For the past eight years, I have been given the opportunity to teach a class at the Seminary on Pastoral Administration.  I teach a three hour class once each Tuesday afternoon between now and Christmas.  Therefore, from now until Christmas, I will be unavailable by telephone and out of my office on Tuesday afternoons. 

Reflection on Scripture

“Say what you mean and mean what you say, and do what you say you will do!”  These words are a good summary of the message in today’s gospel and first reading.  In Ezekiel, we hear that God is as fair with us as we are with Him.  If we repent sincerely, God in His mercy will forgive us.  In today’s Gospel, we hear that being recalcitrant but then repentant is better than being phony.  For the phony is deceptive and lies about what he is willing to do.  The obstinate son is ultimately forced by his conscience to be obedient. 

Today is also designated as Respect Life Sunday.  Some pro-abortionists say that we should respect the life only of the living.  They do not admit that the prenatal child is “living.”  As a Church, we hear the Decalogue and understand that the Fifth Commandment is not flexible for the sake of convenience.  When God says, “Thou shalt not kill the innocent” He is not joking.  God means it as apodictic law!  Contemporary society wants to tell God they do not think the unborn are alive according to their self-serving definition.  In this way they seek to say that life is cheap!  Well my friends, life comes from God.  Do you really want to tell God you think His gift is cheap?

Readings for the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 5:1-7

Phil 4:6-9

Mt 21:33-43

Theme: Respect the God who made and owns the place!