Dear Parishioners:
…Happy Labor Day Weekend 2019…
- This is a “unique day” to reflect and appreciate the “fruits of labor” from all different areas of the workforce contributing to our everyday life. What an amazing realization of how we are connected together as a society and as a global community. “With a blessing to have a job” and a day of rest on this Labor Day this year – September 2, we give thanks to our God. Let’s also be mindful of those who have lost their jobs and those who are struggling to find a job at this time.
Labor Day weekend is also a transitions time from a “Summer schedule” to a “full school schedule” and in addition to many of our parish programs to start up as well. Please, take notice in the weekly bulletin for detail information on these parish programs.
- Today’s first reading from the book of Sirach in chapter 3, speaks about authentic humility giving a true estimation of self (3:7-19). Through it, a person performs one’s duty and avoids what is beyond one/s strength and understanding (3:20-22). Pride, however, begets false greatness, misjudgment, stubbornness and perdition (3:23-27).
Today’s banquet scene (Lk 14:1; 7-14), found only in Luke Gospel, provides the opportunity for Jesus’ teachings on humility and presents a setting to display Luke’s interest in Jesus’ attitude toward the rich and the poor. For Judaism, for Jesus, and for the Early Church, table fellowship was laden with very important religious, social, and economic meanings. Luke 14:1 sets the stage for verses 7-11. Jesus is at dinner in the home of a Pharisee and, while there, observes the social behavior of both the guests and their host. Jesus’ attention to and observation of everyday activity provided him not only insights into the true character of his listeners, but also opportunities to reveal the way of life in the Kingdom of God.
Those who lift themselves up over others will be brought down. Those who regard themselves as among the “lowly” – as human as anyone else – will be raised up. Raising up and exaltation belong to God; recognition of one’s lowliness is the proper stance for human beings. The act of humbling oneself is not an end for its own sake, but for the sake either of God or of Christ.
- A “big word of THANKS” to the many different groups and individuals who have made the Parish Annual Picnic a successful event again this year … and the “Labor of Love” of many who served at the picnic …. … With all of these together, it’s truly a lasting memory for me about this year Parish Picnic.
A special thanks to the members of all the members of the Parish Pastoral Council (especially, Chris Wright – Parish Picnic Coordinator); Home Town Band, the Dancing groups, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Stewardship Commission who along with many others helped with setting up and clean up; the Religious Education Department, Youth Groups who helped to set-up and tear down, along with the children games; many hands in the kitchen and women groups and many other helping hands … Thank You ALL for a job well done … !!!
- The RCIA Team is hard at work this week – prepare for the men and women who are exploring the Catholic Faith in this coming year. If you ever been asked to share or explain your faith and hesitate of how to start …!!! Come and join with “other inquirers” to learn, share and refresh the gift of our Catholic faith. Please talk to the RCIA Team Members. Please check the bulletin in regard to any Religious Program or call the Religious Office for more information.
- Welcome back everyone! We’re gathering back again after a long Summer and begin anew for the “School Year and a Liturgical Year” as a community of faith here at St. Gabriel Parish. Please check the bulletin for information in regard to the opening of different programs in our parish community.
Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Phuong Hoang