CARMEL OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY ST. PETER CHANEL

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1 St. John of the Cross Catholic Cluster NOTRE DAME du MONT CARMEL OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY ST. PETER CHANEL St. David St. Agatha St. Bruno - St. Remi St. Gerard-Mt. Carmel St. Luce St. Joseph (Hamlin) St. Thomas Aquinas St. Joseph (Sinclair) St. Michael (Summer Months) September 2, 2018 Pastor Fr. James Plourde james.plourde@portlanddiocese.org Parochial Vicars Fr. Antony Alexander Maria Doss, HGN antony.mariadoss@portlanddiocese.org Fr. Selvaraj Kasi, HGN selvaraj.kasi@portlanddiocese.org Deacons Rev. Mr. Donald R. Clavette donald.clavette@portlanddiocese.org Rev. Mr. Rodney Deschaine rodney.deschaine@portlanddiocese.org Cluster 2 Business Coordinator Greg Cyr greg.cyr@portlanddiocese.org Sacramental & Pastoral Care SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Please call your parish office for appointment. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday before 4pm Mass or appointment. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Please call your parish office at least 6 months prior to date. SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call your parish office. FUNERALS Please contact the Cluster 2 business office. New Parishioners If you are new to the parish or have an address or phone number change, please contact your parish office. NOTRE DAME DU MONT CARMEL 309 St. Thomas Street, Suite 103 Madawaska, ME Parish Office / Cluster 2 Business Office notredamedumontcarmel@portlanddiocese.org Faith Formation Office OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY 379 Main St./PO Box 10, St. Agatha, ME Parish Office Faith Formation Office ST. PETER CHANEL 174 Main St., Van Buren, ME Parish Office StPeterChanelParish@portlanddiocese.org

2 The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 2018 Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Mass Schedule Saturday, September 1 4:00pm ST: Joseph Raymond Wife Carlene & Children 6:00pm SG: Pauline Migneault Uncle Bert & Aunt Kathleen Sunday, September 2 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30am ST: Memorial Mass 11:00am SD: Terry Thibeault Val & Joey Monday, September 3 No Mass / St. Gregory the Great Tuesday, September 4 9:00am-5:45pm ST: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00pm ST: Richard St. Amant Loretta, Cecile & Bertha Wednesday, September 5 No Mass / St. Teresa of Calcutta Thursday, September 6 No Mass Friday, September 7 9:30am - 4:00pm SD: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament No Mass at HVM Saturday, September 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 4:00pm ST: Mary Ann Collin (1st Anniv.) Family 6:00pm SG: Lucien Gendreau Carl, Norma, Rolande, Rodney & Eldon Sunday, September 9 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30am ST: Armand Corriveau (1st Anniv.) Raymonde & Family 11:00am SD: Norman Martin (1st Anniv.) Lucille & Family Our Lady of the Valley Mass Schedule Saturday, September 1 4:00pm SL: Raymond & Sylvia Gies Jean Paul & Cleo Ouellette Sunday, September 2 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30am SA: Marie Mae Chamberland Family 11:00am SM: Richard Rossignol Ginette & Joel Ouellette 4:00pm SJ: Rinette Pelletier Raynold Pelletier Monday, September 3 St. Gregory the Great 6:00pm SA: Gerard Ouellette Armand Cote Tuesday, September 4 8:30am SJ: All Souls the Parishioners Wednesday, September 5 No Mass / St. Teresa of Calcutta Thursday, September 6 6:00pm SL: Gedeon Corriveau Family Friday, September 7 1:30pm SJMC: Leo James Martin Paul & Shirley Chasse Saturday, September 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 4:00pm SL: Jean Paul Ouellette (Anniv) Odette Ouellette Sunday, September 9 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30am SA: Clarence Sirois Carmen Dumais 4:00pm SJ: Roland Michaud Jean & Barbara Ouellette Saturday, September 1 4:00pm SB/SR: Deceased Members of the Class of 1963 Their classmates Sunday, September 2 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00am SJ: Souls in Purgatory A Parishioner 9:15am SB/SR: Lilly Perreault Steve & Family Monday, September 3 No Mass / St. Gregory the Great Tuesday, September 4 No Mass Wednesday, September 5 St. Teresa of Calcutta 6:00pm SB/SR: Omerine Smith Joan Cormier 2 St. Peter Chanel Mass Schedule Thursday, September 6 No Mass Friday, September 7 10:00am BVM: Carl & Marlene Cormier Mom & Family Saturday, September 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 4:00pm SB/SR: Robert A. Violette His Children Sunday, September 9 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00am SJ: Antoinette Martin Paul Dubois 9:15am SB/SR: Mona Young St. Bruno-St. Remi Choir Abbreviations for Cluster Church Sites and Facilities NOTRE DAME DU MONT CARMEL OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY ST. PETER CHANEL SD - St. David SA - St. Agatha SB/SR - St. Bruno/St. Remi SG - St. Gerard SL - St. Luce SJ - St. Joseph (Hamlin) ST - St. Thomas Aquinas SJ - St. Joseph (Sinclair) BVM - Borderview Manor CV - Country Village SM - St. Michael s Chapel RDG - Ridgewood SJMC - St. Joseph Memory Care HVM - High View MH - Montfort Heights

3 Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Parish Corner St. David, St. Gerard-Mt. Carmel/Grand Isle, St. Thomas Aquinas/Madawaska Worship & Spirituality PRAY FOR OUR SICK Roger Lavertu, Anne B.C. Deschaine, Rosanne Chasse, Roger Ayotte, Lorette Chasse, Louise Gendreau, Vanessa Gagnon, Joe Ouellette, Randy Dufour, George Dionne, Carlene Martin, Gene Lavoie, Gordon Soucy and Joe Lachance. FMI call LAMP FOR THE UNBORN BURNS FOR: St. David - for George a parishioner St. Gerard - for Aubrey Joan Hebert ST. GERARD SANCTUARY LAMP BURNS IN SEPTEMBER FOR: Jeanette Chasse Louise / For a special intention for Rina Violette Dean & Lynn Madore ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SANCTUARY LAMP BURNS IN SEPTEMBER FOR: Therese Dufour Cecile Tardif EUCHARISTIC ADORATION EVERY TUESDAY at St. Thomas Aquinas Church from 9am 6:00pm. This week s intention: For our priests and vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life, and also for our area businesses and their workforces. Parish Life KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SUPPER/MEETING: Tuesday, Sept. 4th at 6pm. Come join us for our first meeting of the season. Brother Knights feel free to bring a guest/friend/relative to come join us for a fantastic meal. Brother Gene Lagasse and crew will be cooking a boiled ham dinner. Hope to See You All. ST. DAVID LADIES OF ST. ANNE: Mass and picnic at Mizpah on Wednesday, September 7th at 11am. Please bring your lunch. ST. GERARD LADIES OF ST. ANNE MEETING: Wednesday, September 19th at 6pm in the Church Chapel. Please note it is the third Wednesday for this month only. MOTHER OF THE YEAR: Saturday, October 6th at the 6pm Mass at St. Gerard. Come see who will be crowned. CONSOLING THE HEART OF JESUS RETREAT: Wednesday, September 12 at 9am following the 8:30am Mass in St. David. Everyone is welcome to join us as we continue studying and praying with Fr. Michael Gaitley s new book and program. Questions? Please contact Barbara Roy at MINI RETREAT For Eucharistic Ministers and Altar Servers Saturday, September 8th 9:30am-1:30pm - St. David Church Please do come for this re-orientation of your ministries! Presenter: Mr. Dan Deschaine Lunch will be provided!! Free will offering! Please RSVP: Jan at if you have not done so already! Finance & Administration Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Financial Update Offertory: July 1, 2018 to August 19, 2018 Budget: $57,692 Actual: $55,777 Under Anticipated: -$1,916 Amount given Weekly goal St. David $1,220 $1,849 St. Gerard $1,131 $908 St. Thomas Aquinas $4,561 $4,454 Weekly Totals $6,912 $7,212 Assumption Collection-8/15: $1, SECOND COLLECTION September 8/9 - Catholic University of America MEMORIAL MASS INTENTIONS - September 2nd - 8:30am Aline Bosse Mike & Rinette Pelletier Deceased Relatives/Souls in Purgatory Tracy Michaud Renald Cote Ron & Linda Daigle Adeline Lavertue St. Gerard Ladies of St. Anne Margo Dionne Gerald & Elaine Martin Patrick P. Albert Roland Ouellette Roger Beaulieu, Sr. Bob & Verna Beaulieu Carlene Albert St. Gerard Ladies of St. Anne Mabel Beaulieu St. Gerard Ladies of St. Anne Armand Tardif Al (Conrad) & Regina Lizotte Enoil St. Onge Normand (Blanc) & Claudette Levesque Mabel Dufour Eldon & Jenny Rachel St. Onge M/M Bernard Nadeau St. Anthony Constance Cote Reginald Boucher Joel & Ginette Ouellette M/M Arty Pelletier Mildred Bishop & Family Joanna Landry Roger & Jackie Albert Reno Levesque Jeannine Daigle George & Gardes Sylvia & Jim Virgona Germaine Cyr Family & Friends Philip Sirois Roger & Jackie Albert Therese Fongemie Gary & Lisa Paradis Armand Corriveau Diane & Eric Parker Edgar Albert Noella & Reno Sirois Freda Morin Lee Community Events BEAN SUPPER: Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp (ATLC) will be sponsoring a bean supper on Saturday, September 15th from 4:30-7pm at the St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Madawaska. Cost: $7 Includes coleslaw or potato salad, hot dogs, beans, roll, dessert and a drink. Carry outs will be available. FMI, contact Amber Stedt, ATLC Program Coordinator at or astedt@amhc.org. KITCHEN PARTY: Sunday, September 16th from 2 4 pm at the Grand Isle Community Center outdoor stage. Welcome all musicians, swingers, dancers, jiggers and story and joke tellers. Free Admission. Free snacks and refreshments. Join us for fun with local entertainers. Sponsored the Greater Grand Isle Historical Society. Donations are always appreciated. The event will be outside so bring a comfortable chair. FMI call Gerald at

4 Our Lady Of The Valley Parish Corner St. Agatha, St. Joseph/Sinclair, St. Luce/Frenchville, St. Michael Chapel Worship & Spirituality Finance & Administration SANCTUARY LAMP: Burns this week: At St. Luce: Jean Paul Ouellette Odette Ouellette At St. Luce: Harold, Denis, Donald, Martin, Gerard Ouellette and for Donald Shield for a Special Intention Family At St. Agatha: For the Return of Non-practicing Catholics a Parishioner Our Lady of the Valley Financial Updates Offertory: July 1, 2018 to August 19, 2018 HEALING MASS Thursday, September 13th St. Luce Church, Frenchville 6pm Mass followed healing service Confession will be available. All welcome! ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Monday s after 6:00 p.m. Mass until 7:30 p.m. at St. Agatha Church. Thursday s after 6:00 pm. Mass until 7:30 p.m. at St. Luce Church. Amount Given St. Agatha St. Joseph St. Luce St. Michael (13 weeks) Weekly Totals $1,654 $1,058 $969 $782 $4,463 This Year Weekly Goal $1,876 $629 $1,174 $791 $4,470 Last Year Assumption Collection-8/15: $597 SECOND COLLECTION September 8/9 - Catholic University of America 2018 CATHOLIC APPEAL UPDATE Goal: $20,424: Total pledges to date: $8,839 (43% of goal) with 61 households participating. Prayer Line Contacts St. Luce: Norma Martin St. Joseph: Cecile Ouellette Sacramental Life SACRAMENT of RECONCILIATION / CONFESSIONS Mondays at St. Agatha: 6:30-7:30pm REST IN PEACE Please pray for those who have died and for their families: Eugene Michaud, 72, who passed away on August 27th. He was the husband of Jacqueline of our parish. Community Events SENIOR LUNCHES Frenchville: Monday, September 10th at 11:30 a.m. Menu: Baked Chicken St. Agatha: Monday, September 10th at 11:30 a.m. Menu: Roast Pork

5 St. Peter Chanel Parish Corner St. Bruno-St. Remi Church/Van Buren, St. Joseph Church/Hamlin & Borderview Nursing Home Parish Life ST. BRUNO-ST. REMI CHURCH SPONSORS BREAD & WINE SPONSOR / IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Charlie & Cheryl Cote Bea & Family SANCTUARY LAMP SPONSOR / IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Normand Lajoie (Birthday) Maxine & Family Feast Day Mass in Honor of St. Teresa of Calcutta St. Teresa of Calcutta will be honored on her feast day, Wednesday, September 5th, 6pm at St. Bruno. Father Alex will preside and the choir will sing. A hand painting of this recently canonized Saint from India will be on display in Church. No confessions will be heard that evening. Following Mass, an hour long movie featuring the life of St. Teresa of Calcutta will be presented in the parish hall. Popcorn and light beverages will be served. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this noteworthy event. Help sponsor an Altar Server: NEW UNIFORMS (Cassock and Surplice) for Altar Servers: Any parishioner or business that would like to sponsor an Altar Server s new cassock and surplice is welcomed to make a donation. We are looking to update the server s wardrobe to consist of a long black cassock and white surplice. Between St. Bruno and St Joseph s churches we will be hoping to raise enough money for sets of various sizes. To Sponsor one child s full dress would total $75.00*. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. Checks or monetary donations can be made out to St Peter Chanel Parish with a note to: Altar Server Fund. Envelopes have been placed in the back of the Church for your convenience. *Any funds beyond $ will be distributed to the Middle School & High School Youth Ministry Programs. That Man is You! begins Sept. 15, 2018 St. Bruno/St. Remi Church in Van Buren. Attention men of the parish! Mark your calendars. This year s theme is - The Battle Over the Bride. Modeled on some of the country s leading men s programs, That Man is You! combines Scripture, solid secular research and a little fun to address the pressures and temptations facing men in our modern culture. It seeks to form authentic leaders who will be capable of transforming homes and society. Come Join Us That Man Is You! Saturday Mornings Starting on September 15, :30am Coffee / 7:00am to 8:00am Meeting For more information contact: Rodney Deschaine ( ), Steven Lajoie ( ), Charles Plourde ( ), Lucien Ouellette ( ) Bulletin Memorials In Memory of: Stanley Cote his wife, Bridget & Family Deceased Members of the Lajoie & Sirois Mike & Marie Lajoie Tardif & Parent Ron & June & Family Deceased Members of the Lajoie & Madore Steve & Marilyn Antoine Levesque the Pelletier Grandchildren, Leslie, Monica & Brian Ernestine Doucette Don, Mike & Alan Simon Cyr Grandpa & Grandma Kim Beaulieu Mom, Dad & Family Rossignol & Michaud By Percy & Claudette Levesque & Morrow John & Noreen Community Events Finance & Administration Gerard & Isabel Parent Rudy & Dinah Marquis & Cyr Ray & Judy Marquis Blessed Virgin Mary For a favor obtained a Parishioner (C.L.) Pelletier & Charette John & Noreen Ernest, Tina, & Jim Marquis Rita, Marge & Family ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (ACEs) can keep a child from learning, steal joy from his or her life, and cause life-long health and emotional problems. ACEs are common in our nation, our state, and our communities. The film RESILIENCE describes ACES and their effects on people s health. It shows how resilience enables people to regain hope and happiness, and presents ways that others have brought resilience to their communities, making a huge positive difference for children and adults, alike. It will be shown: Tuesday, Sept 11 th 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Van Buren Community Center ALL ARE INVITED! For more information, call Fr. Dave Cote at or at: davidcote@earthlink.net. COMMUNITY MEETING DATES AND TIMES: COLUMBIETTES SUPPER/MEETINGS: every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:00 p.m. The first meeting will be held on Sept. 19th. The Columbiettes would like to thank all who generously donated blood at the recent blood drive. St. Peter Chanel Parish Financial Updates Offertory: July 1, 2018 to August 19, 2018 Budget: $20,923 Actual: $20,440 Under Anticipated: ($484) Amt. Given $2,106 Wkly Goal $2,525 Average Collection: This yr. $2,555 Last yr. $2,699 Assumption Collection-8/15: $151 Catholic 2018 Appeal Goal: $14,190 Pledges to date: $5,400, 38% of goal, with 32 households participating. WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 1963 Celebrating their 55th Class Reunion

6 ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS CATHOLIC CLUSTER / DIOCESAN CORNER PARISH OFFICES CLOSED Monday, September 3rd Labor Day! MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY: First meeting will be Sunday, September, 9th, 6pm at the youth ministry room at the St. Thomas Center. Hot dog roast and smores! Soccer game with Fr. Alex! BAPTISMAL PREP SESSION: Saturday, September 15th at 9:30am at the St. Thomas Building in the youth ministry room. FMI or to register, please call the rectory office at BLUE MASS: Bishop Robert P. Deeley will celebrate the Blue Mass on Sunday, September 16th at 10:30am at the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul on 122 Ash St. in Lewiston. Member of EMS, fire, law enforcement, and other public safety agencies are asked to wear their uniforms to the Mass. FMI visit the diocesan website at THEOLOGY AT TIM S : The Parish of the Precious Blood in Caribou is using a popular teen hangout to evangelize young people in the area, enhancing the faith life of some while introducing Catholicism to others. Theology at Tim s is a monthly meeting of teens that rotates between the Tim Hortons coffee shops in Presque Isle and Caribou. All high school youth are invited to participate in the gatherings, which are casual forums that provide presentations on faith and discussions about how to apply faith to daily life. On Sunday, September 16th, Deacon Luis Sanclemente of St. John Vianney in Fort Kent will present What Do You Stand For? at the Caribou Tim Hortons on 109 Bennett Drive. The presentation will discuss the decisions we make and the challenges we face to stand our beliefs. Each session begins with a social period followed a presentation and time for an informal discussion and Q&A period. For more information about Theology at Tim s, contact the Parish of the Precious Blood at (207) September 2018 Joy of Work...Excerpt from Amoris Laetitia Labor...makes possible the development of society and provides for sustenance, stability, and fruitfulness of one s family. n.24 At the beginning of Psalm 128, the father appears as a laborer who the work of his hands sustains the physical well-being and tranquility of his family It is clear from the very first pages of the Bible that work is an essential part of human dignity The Book of Proverbs also presents the labor of mothers within the family; their daily work is described in detail as winning the praise of their husbands and children. (n.24) Weekly suggestion for the faithful to consider: September 2: Evangelize through your actions when you re at work. Reflect on whether you re being a light of Christ or leaving your faith at the door. ST. THOMAS GIFT SHOP St. Thomas Aquinas Church Basement Hours: Mon. to Thurs. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. RE-OPENING Tuesday, September 4th. Come in an see our new merchandise!!! NEW: Inspirational Plaques w/christian Verses - 8.5" X 3.25" w/easel & Hanger Attached Wood/Metal - $5.98 NEW: Heartlights: This faith-based collection lights up your life and warms the heart with its meaningful Christian message. Dome is 4" W. x 8" H. Glass/Metal/Paper/Wood, Gift Boxes. Choice of message: Serenity Prayer - for Sister & Friend - Friend. Uses 3 AAA batteries incl. $21.98 NEW: Rosaries: Genuine Austrian Crystal - Gold Aurora Borealis 2" Crucifix w/miraculous Medal. $29.95 NEW: Books for Kids: The Miracles of Jesus These picture books will help children ages 5-9 (& older), better understand their Catholic faith. A full color illustration on every page! It's never too early or too late to teach the children about Jesus. $1.95 BOOKS: " BLESSED Our BROKENNESS" BY:Anne Field, OSB Finding Peace in the Challenges of Aging and Illness With compassion and hope, spiritual writer Sr. Anne Field helps us face the inevitable losses we experience through aging, illness, and other causes of suffering. She gently urges readers to choose freely to replace gloomy attitudes of self-pity with God's perspectives on pain and disabilities. In a reassuring way, she shows us how we can find peace and purpose in life extending God's kingdom on earth through our losses, not in spite of them. $9.95 REMEMBER A BOOK IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!! Also, Gift Certificates are always available!! CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER WOMEN S ACTS Retreat: The Northern Maine ACTS Core will host a women s retreat on October at the Christian Life Center in Frenchville. An ACTS retreat is presented parishioners and offers participants an opportunity to experience the love of Jesus Christ in a deep, profound way. The focus is on Adoration, Community, Theology and Service, from which the ACTS acronym is derived. The retreat facilitates the attainment of a new or deeper relationship with the Lord through the call, acceptance of, and response to God; the love and caring of each other; the study of God through Scripture and the Catholic faith; and service to God and his people. To register or for more info call the Parish of the Precious Blood in Caribou at (207) or Mary Ellen Field at mary.e.field4.civ@mail.mil. MEN S ACTS RETREAT: The Northern Maine ACTS Core will host a men s retreat on November 8-12 at the Christian Life Center in Frenchville. To register or for more info call the Parish of the Precious Blood in Caribou at (207) or Mary Ellen Field at mary.e.field4.civ@mail.mil. WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Mark you calendar for the next Marriage Encounter weekend on November 2-4 at the Lucerne Inn, Dedham. There is a $50 non-refundable fee. FMI visit wwmemaine.org or contact Bill and Coco Watkin at (207) and leave a message.

7 GOSPEL MEDITATION - Encourage Deeper Understanding of Scripture September 2, st Sunday in Ordinary Time Judgment tends to have a bad reputation. We often associate it with condemnation, and in the Gospels, we associate it with the Pharisees. Today's Gospel features the Pharisees doing exactly what we expect. "They observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands." The Jewish people had strict purification laws that applied to all areas of life. The Pharisees attempt to accuse Jesus of not following the ancestral traditions. Jesus doesn't take offense at their judgments per se. He instead points out the hypocrisy of their words. "You hypocrites? this people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." From there, Jesus turns his attention to the concerns of the heart. "The things that come from within are what defile." He lists off a number of sins, including some the Pharisees were likely struggling with, including evil thoughts, envy, and arrogance. When we examine the list, perhaps we're reminded of our own trips to the confessional! As we strive to follow Jesus and live with integrity, we must be aware of our hearts. We must judge our own actions. Are they leading us closer to God or away from Him? Are we growing in love of our neighbor, or are we becoming more closed in on ourselves? As we move into this week, consider the state of our own heart. Perhaps you are overly scrupulous in less important areas. Perhaps there are large areas of overlooked sin that you've excused for too long. Whatever it is, the judgment of God need not cripple us. He offers us a share in His mercy as soon as we turn to Him. This week, allow your heart to be transformed! LIVE THE LITURGY - INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK In response to how the Pharisees and scribes lived their faith, Jesus said, "This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Both good and evil impulses come from our hearts. Which one has the upper hand depends on how well a person has taken on the mind and heart of God. How well we live our faith is determined the same. As Pope Francis tells us, Jesus is present in all of our brothers and sisters, especially those who endure suffering like his own. Our world is full of tragedy, conflict, and suffering: slave labor, diseases, wars, terrorism, exploitation, famine, human trafficking. We cannot simply pay lip service to the evils of the world? we must act! WHY DO WE DO THAT? - Catholic Traditions Explained Question: As we celebrate Labor Day, can you tell me about Catholic teaching regarding labor? Answer: One of the most important principles of Catholic social teaching is the dignity of work and the rights of workers. Four encyclicals address this foundational social teaching: Rerum Novarum (1891) Leo XIII, Quadragesimo Anno (1931) Pius XI, Laborem Exercens (1981), and Centesimus Annus (1991) John Paul II. They address both the theology and dignity of work. In Genesis, God takes the initiative in creating the world, calling forth human beings to be faithful stewards of creation. We are thus formed to share in God's continuing creative activity partnering with God in finishing the world and helping bring it to completion and fulfillment. From this perspective, work can be spiritually understood in terms of sharing in God's ongoing activity to build, create, and transform the world. Human beings are co-creators with God. This vocation demands self-discipline. Besides an exercise in self-discipline, work is also the means which we develop and fulfill ourselves. In work, we shape the world and our environment. Through work, we also shape ourselves. Pope John Paul II summarized this point in Laborem Exercens #6, "the value of work is not primarily the kind of work being done, but the fact that the one who is doing it is a person." Labor Day offers an excellent opportunity to reflect on how we view work in light of our Catholic social teaching. CATHOLIC QUOTES WORDS TO INSPIRE THE FAITHFUL What do they not see, who see Him in all things? --St. Gregory the Great Children s Corner QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: First Reading: The Book of Deuteronomy contains a series of speeches that Moses delivered to the Israelites prior to their entry into the Promised Land. In today's speech, Moses emphasizes the importance of carefully observing the Lord's commandments as key to being a great nation. Why do you think believers often fall short of following God's laws? Second Reading: The letter of James is a prime example of early Christian wisdom literature. What advice does James offer in regard to practicing one's faith? Gospel Reading: The Pharisees and scribes, concerned about Jewish purity laws, learn a lesson today from Jesus about where defilement resides -- within people's hearts. How do you work at being clean of heart?